MARKETPLACE runs a competitive awards program to recognize Wisconsin companies that exemplify growth excellence, with dedicated award categories for larger and smaller, newer and more established businesses. In addition, the conference honors individuals and organizations that are providing leadership in the business communities served by MARKETPLACE.
For 2019, awards have been expanded to include Wisconsin-based minority, woman and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses certified by the agencies listed below. Applications are due Monday, Aug. 5. Find applications below the award descriptions.
DOA Supplier Diversity Program
(MBE, WBE, DVB)
Vets First Verification Program
Unified Certification Program
(DBE)
Woman Owned Certification
Minority Owned Certification
Outstanding Large Business Awards
For companies with more than 25 employees (full- and part-time)
Recognizes Wisconsin-based certified business enterprises with 25 or more employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years, with plans to continue expanding in the future
Outstanding Small Business Awards
For companies with 25 employees or fewer (full- and part-time)
Recognizes Wisconsin-based certified business enterprises with 25 or fewer employees that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years, with plans to continue expanding in the future
Rising Star Awards
Recognizes Wisconsin-based emerging certified business enterprises established on or after Jan. 1, 2015, that have strong growth potential by virtue of their past performance, innovative products or services, business team or other distinct competitive advantage
To be eligible for an award in the current year, the company cannot have won that same award category under the same certification in the past five years.
Outstanding Large Business Award Finalists
For companies with 25 employees or more
Outstanding Small Business Award Finalists
For companies with 25 employees or fewer
Rising Star Award Finalists
The MARKETPLACE Sponsor Hall of Fame was established to honor companies that have exhibited commitment to minority, women and veteran owned business development through perennial MARKETPLACE sponsorship contributions.
2018 Inductee
Prior year inductees
Associated Bank
AT&T
Forest County Potowatomi Community
Green Bay Packers Inc.
Harley Davidson Motor Company
Milwaukee Business Journal
Northwestern Mutual
PNC Bank
Roundy’s, Inc.
Town Bank
U.S. Bank
WE Energies
WHEDA
Wisconsin Business Development
Aggo Akyea
State Diversity Development and Advocacy Award
Gary Mejchar
Community Economic Development Award
Aina Vilumsons
Mentoring Small Business in Government Contracting Award
Nelson Solar
Minority Business Development Award
Curtiss Harris
Minority Business Community Service Award
Maria Watts
Business Community Collaboration Award
