Honors NMSDC-certified suppliers across four categories that exemplify outstanding performance, sustained  growth, innovation, and strong partnership with NMSDC corporate members. 

• Excellence in delivery, quality,  and execution 
• Business growth and scalability  
• Supplier-to-supplier purchasing  contributions  
• Leadership in the supplier  inclusion community  
• Innovation and strong corporate  partnerships

Eligibility Notice: National award winners from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are subject to a three-year cooling-off period. During this period, previous national winners are not eligible to apply for or receive a regional award in the same category in which they previously won.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.

Honors NMSDC-certified suppliers across four categories that exemplify outstanding performance, sustained  growth, innovation, and strong partnership with NMSDC corporate members. 

• Excellence in delivery, quality,  and execution 
• Business growth and scalability  
• Supplier-to-supplier purchasing  contributions  
• Leadership in the supplier  inclusion community  
• Innovation and strong corporate  partnerships

Eligibility Notice: National award winners from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are subject to a three-year cooling-off period. During this period, previous national winners are not eligible to apply for or receive a regional award in the same category in which they previously won.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.

2026 Corporation of the Year Award – Application

Congratulations on being nominated for the 2026 Corporation of the Year Award!

This prestigious award recognizes corporate members across five categories that demonstrate sustained leadership, measurable results, and a meaningful commitment to creating economic opportunities and advancing NMSDC-certified suppliers.

To assist our judges in conducting a fair and comprehensive evaluation, please complete the following application based on your organization’s activities, accomplishments, and results during the applicable reporting period.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

• Strategic Integration: Demonstrated integration of supplier inclusion and economic opportunity into corporate strategy, business operations, and procurement practices.
• Measurable Impact: Quantifiable results with NMSDC-certified suppliers, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 spend, opportunities, and outcomes.
• Executive Leadership & Accountability: Visible executive-level commitment, engagement, and accountability for advancing supplier opportunities.
• Innovation & Business Development: Innovative approaches to expanding supplier pipelines, increasing access to opportunities, and strengthening supplier capabilities and readiness.
• Ethical Leadership & Transparency: Demonstrated ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, and alignment with NMSDC values.

Please provide specific examples and measurable results wherever possible. You may enter your responses directly into the fields provided, select the appropriate response where indicated, and upload supporting documentation to further validate your organization’s accomplishments.

The strongest applications will clearly demonstrate not only what your organization has done, but also the measurable business impact and outcomes created for NMSDC-certified suppliers.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 6, 2026, AT 11:59 PM ET

PLEASE NOTE: THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED.

2026 Corporation of the Year Award – Self-Nomination Application

We invite eligible corporate members to self-nominate for the 2026 Corporation of the Year Award and showcase the impact your organization is making through supplier engagement, business opportunity, leadership, and measurable results.

The Corporation of the Year Award recognizes corporate members across five categories that demonstrate sustained leadership, measurable results, and a meaningful commitment to creating economic opportunities and advancing NMSDC-certified suppliers.

If your organization has developed innovative approaches, achieved measurable results, strengthened supplier partnerships, or demonstrated exceptional leadership, we encourage you to tell your story and put your organization forward for consideration.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:

• Strategic Integration: Demonstrated integration of supplier inclusion and economic opportunity into corporate strategy, business operations, and procurement practices.
• Measurable Impact: Quantifiable results with NMSDC-certified suppliers, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 spend, opportunities, and outcomes.
• Executive Leadership & Accountability: Visible executive-level commitment, engagement, and accountability for advancing supplier opportunities.
• Innovation & Business Development: Innovative approaches to expanding supplier pipelines, increasing access to opportunities, and strengthening supplier capabilities and readiness.
• Ethical Leadership & Transparency: Demonstrated ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, and alignment with NMSDC values.

As you complete the application, please provide specific examples, measurable results, and demonstrated outcomes wherever possible. You may enter responses directly into the fields provided and upload supporting documentation where indicated.

This is your opportunity to highlight your organization’s accomplishments and demonstrate what you have done, the results you have achieved, and the impact your efforts have created for NMSDC-certified suppliers and the broader business community.

SELF-NOMINATION APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 6, 2026, AT 11:59 PM ET

PLEASE NOTE: THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED.

The Momentum Award recognizes a Michigan small business that has been operating for four to seven years and has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, leadership, and future potential. The award honors businesses that are building momentum through measurable business achievements, creating quality jobs, expanding opportunities, and strengthening Michigan's economy while positioning themselves for long-term success.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS September 6, 2026.

The Momentum Award recognizes a Michigan small business that has been operating for four to seven years and has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, leadership, and future potential. The award honors businesses that are building momentum through measurable business achievements, creating quality jobs, expanding opportunities, and strengthening Michigan's economy while positioning themselves for long-term success.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.

The Collaborative Growth Award recognizes a Michigan small business that has leveraged strategic partnerships to accelerate business growth, create measurable economic impact, and expand opportunities for others.

Eligible collaborations may involve corporations, public agencies, universities, capital providers, municipalities, workforce organizations, business-support organizations, industry associations, or other businesses.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.

The Collaborative Growth Award recognizes a Michigan small business that has leveraged strategic partnerships to accelerate business growth, create measurable economic impact, and expand opportunities for others.

Eligible collaborations may involve corporations, public agencies, universities, capital providers, municipalities, workforce organizations, business-support organizations, industry associations, or other businesses.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.