Applications are now open for the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Best in Business Awards.

This annual event, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the local business community, will take place on April 19 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s new Space Camp Operations Center from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The awards ceremony, set to be a traditional dinner-style event, will recognize businesses across various categories, including:

Start-Up Business of the Year
Best Non-Profit of the Year
Best Retail Small Business of the Year (under 100 employees)
Best Service Small Business of the Year (under 100 employees)
Best in Healthcare (doctor offices, dental offices, urgent care, etc.)
Best in Fitness & Wellness (fitness studios, spas, hair/nail salons, etc.) • Best Large Business of the Year (over 100 employees)
Best Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Best in Food, Beverage, & Hospitality (restaurants, cafes, hotels, etc.) • Best in Arts & Entertainment (event venues, arts programs, etc.)

Additionally, every participant will be automatically entered to win the Best Overall Award in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.

This year, the Start-Up Business of the Year award will be presented in partnership with the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship—an organization that serves entrepreneurs and small business owners through coaching and educational programming.

“As The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship continues to expand and serve small business owners and entrepreneurs across Alabama and the U.S., we are thrilled to maintain the legacy of celebrating the grit and passion of our community’s small business owners by continuing to collaborate with the Madison Chamber to highlight a Start-Up Business of the Year. Our partnership shows our commitment to providing the highest level of training to our business community and community partners,” said Lisa Davis Mays, CEO of The Catalyst Center.

New to this year’s lineup is the Milestone Moment Award, honoring businesses that have achieved significant milestones in the past year. This includes adding a new location, signing a major client, incorporating a new service, improving company culture, making a major commitment to the local community, launching a new product, adding a new non-profit initiative, and increasing productivity through creative tools.

“The Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards showcase the excellence and innovation throughout our local business community. We encourage all eligible businesses to apply and be part of this celebration,” said Michelle Epling, President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Applications for the Best in Business Awards close on March 22 at 5 p.m. Interested businesses can apply through the Madison Chamber of Commerce website. Applicants must be current members of the Madison Chamber to be eligible for an award.

Sponsorship opportunities for the award show range from $100 to $4,000. Several sponsorships—including the Presenting Sponsor—have already been claimed. However, there are still opportunities for businesses to showcase their support for the local community and enhance brand awareness through the event.