Oakland Thrive Awards Showcase Efforts at Supporting Small Businesses and Local Economies

Oakland Thrive Awards Showcase Efforts at Supporting Small Businesses and Local Economies

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Photos: Kenny Karpov, April 21, 2025)

Royal Oak, MI – Oakland Thrive held their annual awards ceremony and Small Business Spotlight at Royal Oak Farmers Market earlier this month, highlighting small businesses and the companies and agencies that are working to support them.

Sponsored by businesses like JDCTek, First Independence Bank, Gallagher, and First Merchants Bank, the event featured booths with local entrepreneurs, followed by the awards. Among the vendors were Luisa’s Artisanal Street Food, Courtney’s Juicy Juice, Luminosity Naturals, Peach and Honey LLC, Flavors of Jamaica and more.

And here are the award-winners:

Key Contribution: Expanded small business resources in Oakland County.

This award honors an individual, group, or partner whose commitment to growth and expansion of small businesses provides a substantive contribution to ensure inclusive education, funding, programming and/or networking opportunities.

Key Contribution: Demonstrated commitment to growing their business

This award honors an individual small business owner(s) who lives a small business life in Oakland County. Their participation in Oakland Thrive programs and services and their commitment to growing their business in Oakland County highlights the Oakland Thrive mission. This awardee signifies the importance of providing resources for business growth, small business, and community support.

Vibrant Economy Award – Southfield Small Business Ecosystem including City of Southfield, Southfield Chamber
Key Contribution: Closing the disparity gapThis award recognizes the work of this awardee in supporting the mission and purpose of Oakland Thrive. Their commitment and growing contribution is a powerful surge of light and builds a stronger ecosystem contributing to economic development within diverse communities.

Key Contribution: Honoring legacy businesses that have stood the test of time, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and lasting contributions to economic growth and community prosperity.

This award recognizes a medium or large, successful company that exemplifies Oakland Thrive’s mission by supporting small local businesses or a medium/ large successful company that started as small business and has grown to a large company serving as an inspiration and creating an impact to small owners everywhere.

Key Contribution: Neighborhood Impact

This award recognizes retail and food businesses, including family-owned and generational establishments, that have made a meaningful impact on their neighborhoods. Their contributions—whether through charitable efforts, community value, longevity, or local admiration—will be highlighted for public voting.

Economic Impact Legacy Recognition – Deputy Director, Sean Carlson Oakland County Government

Key Contribution: Honors a distinguished partner or entity that has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity.

This award recognizes lasting impact by creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to the economic vitality of Oakland County. Through dedication, leadership, and sustained success, the recipient of this award has set a standard of excellence, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of business owners and community leaders.

The Oakland Thrive website explains their mission, stating “We focus on bridging economic disparities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring equitable opportunities by leveraging a network of diverse partners. Oakland Thrive isn’t just about business success; it’s about creating and maintaining strong, vibrant communities. Our goal is a thriving, inclusive economy where every business, big or small, has the tools and support to flourish.”

To learn more about Oakland Thrive programs and services, visit www.oaklandthrive.org