Independent We Stand, an organization that exists to support independent businesses, is hosting its sixth-annual contest to draw attention to top-notch independents and the benefits of shopping local.
People can now nominate and vote for businesses to win The Indie award at IndieBizAward.com. Voting begins as soon as a business is nominated, and the winner will be announced Dec. 14.
The online contest gives consumers the opportunity to acknowledge businesses that impact their communities and grow their local economies.
Past winners include Trio Hardware, a hardware and paint shop located in New York, which proudly sponsors local sports teams and a high school robotics team.
“The Indie Award gives consumers a voice for their communities,” says Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “Year after year, we see nominees that go out of the way to make their customers happy and their communities better places. This contest gives those customers a way to recognize and thank them for it.”
The winner of the 2016 Indie Award will receive a prize package valued at $10,000 that includes:
- $5,000
- A $1,000 Stihl equipment certificate
- A small business web starter package from an independent web design firm
- Three-day and two-night stay at an independent beach resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- A plaque to display at the winner’s business
- Public relations and social media recognition
Nominations and quarterfinalist voting runs from Sept. 12 through Nov. 13. Semifinalist voting begins Nov. 21 and ends Dec. 11. People can only vote once every 24 hours. Any locally owned and operated business in the U.S. is eligible to enter the contest.
To nominate and vote for your favorite small business, visit IndieBizAward.com.