This year, the Ohio Creative Collective is announcing the first ever Ohio Made Awards to pay tribute to local businesses. Though the official awards ceremony is scheduled for January 15, 2016, the honorees have already been revealed, as the Collective’s official site lists the front runners in each of the eight categories, along with two honorable mentions per award.
These categories include individual distinctions for Ohio entrepreneurs, food products, branding achievements and small business growth. The overall award for Small Business of the Year goes to Crimson Cup Coffee, with honorable mentions for Kitties Cakes and Griffen Hollow Studio.
Anne Boninsegna and Jen Lindsey were awarded for the Outstanding Ohio Entrepreneur category for The Kitchen, while GV Art Design was recognized for business growth. This last award takes potential increases in sales and employees into account. The Collective began searching for nominations this June and closed the search on October 31.
In a press release, Crimson Cup president Greg Ubert connected his business’ success with the role it has played in the community.
“The award is yet another reason for me to be thankful for the people I work with every day – from our central Ohio cuppers to the small farmers who grow our coffee and the community of thriving independent coffee shops and specialty grocers across 29 states and internationally who distribute Crimson Cup coffee to consumers,” he said.
As this award and its implications become more well-known, local entrepreneurs can look for government grants for small business that fit into their timeline and give them the financial support that they need.