Nomination deadline is Oct. 6 for awards recognizing Wisconsin’s minority, woman and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses

MADISON, WI. Sept. 21, 2017 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is seeking nominations for the 2017 MARKETPLACE Governor’s Awards, which recognize outstanding Wisconsin businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans.

The nomination deadline is Oct. 6. The online nomination form and more details can be found at MarketplaceWisconsin.com.

Small and large businesses will be honored in two categories: the Outstanding Business Award, which recognizes established businesses that have demonstrated the capacity to grow over the past five years and have plans for continued expansion in the future, and the Rising Star Award, which honors businesses established after 2013 that have demonstrated strong growth potential.

Winners will be honored at MARKETPLACE 2017, the Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development, which will be held Dec. 13-14 at the Potawatomi Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee.

Each award finalist receives four complimentary full conference passes ($320 value) to MARKETPLACE 2017, plus optional discounts on exhibit booth space and event sponsorship. Finalists also will benefit from company profiles in the conference program booklet, conference website and event press releases to increase company visibility and help create new contracting opportunities.

The MARKETPLACE 2017 awards are open to Wisconsin-based companies that have been certified as minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE) or service-disabled veteran-owned (DVB) businesses by the State of Wisconsin. Companies that have not yet been certified will be connected with the agencies that provide state certifications. MARKETPLACE top award winners in the past five years are not eligible for a 2017 award. Runner-up finalists are strongly encouraged to apply.

MARKETPLACE 2017 is the premier business capacity building conference of the year for minority, women and veteran entrepreneurs looking to do business with state, federal and local agencies as well as corporations.

For 36 years, the conference has provided opportunities for businesses to meet with potential buyers, identify funding sources, connect with business assistance resources and network with other businesses.

To learn more about the conference, visit MarketplaceWisconsin.com.

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About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @InWisconsin to learn more.