Independent We Stand invites both the public and business owners to promote the importance and strong economic benefits of “buying local” through the eighth annual Indie Award. The contest provides a chance for the winning independent business to reinvest in themselves through a branding, advertising and public relations makeover valued at $25,000.
Getting involved is as easy as nominating locally owned small businesses that go above and beyond to support their communities through charitable donations and community outreach. The web-driven small business of the year contest also gives supporters the opportunity to acknowledge businesses that exceed customer service expectations and also grow their local economies.
Anyone can nominate a small business online, and voting begins as soon as a business is nominated. Consumers can vote a maximum of three times per 24 hour period from the same IP address. Any locally owned and operated business in the U.S. is eligible to enter the contest. Nominate and vote at IndieBizAward.com. The nomination phase and initial voting run through Nov. 11.
The winner of the 2018 Indie Award will receive:
- Branding, advertising and public relations makeover from independent advertising agency The Meridian Group valued at $25,000
- $1,000 STIHL equipment certificate
- Plaque to display at winner’s business
- Public relations and social media recognition
- Quarterfinalists receive an Independent We Stand Premium Membership, for life
Nominations and quarterfinalist voting run from Sept. 24 through Nov. 11. Semifinalist voting begins Nov. 19 and ends on Dec. 16. The announcement of the Indie Award winner will be made on Dec. 19.
