By Craig Manning | March 22, 2022
Judges for the annual Traverse Connect Scale Up North Awards narrowed down this year’s nominees to the final 10. during which the judges will visit each company in person. This process will lead to the next elimination round in early April, which will decide the three finalists for each of the two categories of the competition. The winners will be announced on Friday May 5 in a live final scheduled at the City Opera House.
Each year, the Scale Up North Awards recognize companies in two different categories. The first category, the Emerging Business Award, highlights local small businesses that are “in the early stages of growth.” The second, the Hagerty Scaling Business Award, recognizes more established businesses that have been in operation for five years or more and are evolving and growing. The winners receive a cash prize, as well as a package of services and in-kind benefits valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Taste the Local Difference and Short’s Brewing Company were the 2021 winners.
This year’s nominees are listed below.
The Emerging Business Award
Elk Rapids Marina on Elk Lake
FirstIgnite
Golden Swan Management
Shelter Lounge
Quarter Health Center
The Hagerty Scaling Business Award
Grand Traverse Distillery
Hilbert’s Honey Co.
Oryana Community Cooperative
Animals Naturally
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The Scale Up North Awards finale is scheduled for May 5 at the City Opera House. This event will include a pitch competition for the three finalists in the Emerging Business category, as well as a panel discussion with representatives from each of the three finalists in the Hagerty Scaling Business category. The winners of each category will be announced at the event. Tickets for the final are $35 and can be purchased on the Traverse Connect website.
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