Annual national contest gives small businesses a shot at $25,000 prize package

Independent We Stand is inviting both the public and business owners to help 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 itself 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.

“With small business optimism at a record high, consumers have a chance to boost that positive outlook even more through this contest,” said Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand. “We want to help bolster the efforts to grow small business, just like our members do every day in their communities, by giving customers a platform to recognize their favorite indie businesses. The bottom line: we all win when small businesses succeed and people buy local.”

Anyone can nominate a small business online. 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 runs 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, 2018.

To nominate and vote for your favorite small business, visitwww.IndieBizAward.com.