Ten businesses advance in the 2022 Scale Up North awards competition

What’s happening: Ten businesses have advanced in Traverse Connect’s Scale Up North Awards, which gives a nod to the vibrant and varied companies doing business up north.

What it is: The Scale Up North Awards recognize businesses in two stages of growth: the Emerging Business Award and the Hagerty Scaling Business Award. Both awards are open to for-profit companies in Traverse Connect’s five-county service area.

Who’s moving on: Advancing in the Emerging Business category are The Elk Rapids Marina on Elk Lake, FirstIgnite, Golden Swan Management, Refuge Salon, and Shift Health Center.

Established businesses operating for more than five years advancing in the Hagerty Scaling Business category are Grand Traverse Distillery, Hilbert’s Honey Co., Oryana Community Cooperative, Pets Naturally, and Truly Free.

How it works: In early April, judges will visit each business before narrowing the competitors to the top three in each category. Those businesses will compete at the Finals on May 5 at the City Opera House. The Finals will feature a pitch competition for the three finalists in the Emerging Business category and a panel discussion with representatives of the three finalists in the Hagerty Scaling Business category. There are 10 judges including past Scale Up North winners and representatives from sponsoring partners. The winners of the Emerging Business Award and the Hagerty Scaling Award will be announced before the event’s conclusion. Tickets are $35; click here to purchase. 

Award categories: The Emerging Business Award is focused on supporting businesses in the startup phases of growth that have been in business less than five years and have three or more full-time employees. The Hagerty Scaling Business Award is focused on supporting scaling businesses with demonstrated growth, that have been in business more than five years, have upward of $500,000 in annual revenue, and have up to 150 employees. 

What’s at stake: The winning businesses will each receive an awesome prize package valued at $23,000 and $41,000 in cash and in-kind services for the Emerging and Scaling categories, respectively.

Who’s behind it: The Scale Up North Awards are presented by Hagerty and Priority Health, with additional support from Northwestern Michigan College. 

What they’re saying: “We are very honored and appreciate the ability to be a part of this program. Small business is an essential backbone to all of the communities in our region, and your dedication to continuing to perpetuate the growth of small businesses is valued,” said Joe Short, founder of Short's Brewing Company, the Scale Up North Hagerty Scaling Business Award winner in 2021.