Annual Illinois Local Business Awards
The Illinois Local Business Awards honor independent, Illinois-owned member businesses every year in four categories: Business of the Year, Community Hero, Best Use of Social Media, and Ambassador of the Year. Since 2021, the awards have celebrated the entrepreneurs, makers, and community builders who strengthen Illinois’ local economy.
2026 entries are closed. Winners will be announced live at 3:00 PM on Small Business Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Illinois Local Holiday Market in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The ceremony is open to the public. Entries for the 2027 awards open September 1, 2027.
The 2026 awards are proudly sponsored by Bailey Family Insurance, and each award is handcrafted by Illinois Local member Ceramics Made by Rosie, giving every winner a unique, artist-made piece.
Recognizing Illinois’ Top Local Businesses: Award Categories
Our awards highlight the diverse ways independent businesses and leaders elevate our communities. Get involved—explore our core categories below and consider nominating yourself or someone who inspires you.
Illinois Local Business of the Year: Celebrates a member that deserves recognition for its success.
Illinois Local Community Hero: Celebrates a member that has a positive and lasting impact on our community.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: presented to a member that uses social media in a way that makes Illinoisans proud.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year: Presented to a member that represents our mission to support, grow, and celebrate the membership.
How to Enter The Illinois Local Awards
The Illinois Local Awards are open exclusively to active members of the Illinois Local network. Becoming a member unlocks your eligibility to nominate your business, gain visibility, and join a statewide community committed to independent business success.
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1️⃣ Join Illinois Local
5 minutes to complete
Choose your membership tier and create your business profile. Once you join, your company is added to the official Illinois Local directory — and you’re eligible to participate in the awards.
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2️⃣ Submit Your Award Application
2026 entries are closed. Entries for the 2027 awards open September 1, 2027.
Submit your entry during the annual entry window, which opens every September 1. Judges evaluate entries on the quality and substance of your answers, not the number of nominations received, so thoughtful, detailed responses give your business the strongest chance of being recognized.
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3️⃣ Attend the Awards Ceremony
Held during the Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday — Saturday, November 28, 2026
Celebrate with fellow business owners, finalists, and community leaders as we recognize outstanding local businesses across Illinois.
Award recipients must have someone available to accept their award at the award ceremony.
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Your business deserves to be celebrated — and it all starts with becoming a member.
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Illinois Local Awards FAQs
When will the 2026 Illinois Local Award winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 28, 2026 (Small Business Saturday), during the Illinois Local Holiday Market in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The winners will be added to this page after the ceremony.
When can I enter the Illinois Local Awards?
Entries open every September 1. Entries for 2026 are closed, and entries for the 2027 awards open September 1, 2027.
Who can enter the Illinois Local Awards?
The awards are open to active Illinois Local members. Any independent business headquartered in Illinois and owned by an Illinois resident can join, with memberships starting at $235 a year.
What are the Illinois Local Award categories?
Business of the Year, Community Hero, Best Use of Social Media, and Ambassador of the Year.
How are the winners chosen?
A panel of independent judges reviews every entry and chooses winners based on merit, impact, and the strength of their story, not popularity or the number of nominations received.
Is the awards ceremony open to the public?
Yes. The ceremony takes place during the Illinois Local Holiday Market, and non-members are welcome. Holiday Market admission is $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free.
Illinois Local Award Winners by Year
Since 2021, the Illinois Local Awards have honored exceptional small businesses, community leaders, and ambassadors who embody the spirit of “Shop Local.” Each year, we recognize the entrepreneurs and organizations that fuel Illinois’ local economy, strengthen their communities, and champion the mission of Illinois Local. These award winners represent the innovation, resilience, and dedication that make our state’s small business ecosystem thrive.
All awards are evaluated by a panel of independent judges, each bringing their own expertise and perspective. Judges review submissions using criteria they select and apply consistently, ensuring that every winner is chosen based on merit, impact, and the strength of their story — not popularity or volume of nominations.
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2026 Illinois Local Award Winners
The 2026 winners will be announced at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Illinois Local Holiday Market and posted here after the ceremony.
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2025 Illinois Local Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year
Awarded for sustained excellence and impactful contributions to the Illinois Local community.
Illinois Local Community Hero
Be Like Emma Dress Resale CEO Lucy Schmadeke
Recognized for creating lasting community impact through service, support, and mission‑driven local involvement.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year
Celebrated for exemplifying Illinois Local’s mission by uplifting, expanding, and showcasing fellow members.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media
Honored for a vibrant, engaging, and community‑oriented social media presence.
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2024 Illinois Local Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year
AlignLife of Springfield Chiropractic & Natural Health Center
Awarded for exceptional business growth, dedication to regional health and wellness, and active support of Illinois small businesses.
Illinois Local Community Hero
Taryn Grant – Springfield Youth Performance Group (SYPG)
Recognized for enriching children’s lives through performing arts and expanding local performance opportunities.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year
Celebrated for consistent advocacy of the “Shop Local” movement and dedicated visual promotion of Illinois business owners.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media
Honored for artistic storytelling, active audience participation, and building an energetic online community.
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2023 Illinois Local Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year
Awarded for steadfast support of local businesses and commitment to reinforcing the Illinois Local community.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year
Recognized for championing local business owners and consistently highlighting the “Shop Local” mission through visual storytelling.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media
Honored for inventive, engaging digital content that cultivated a loyal online following.
Illinois Local Community Hero
Celebrated for building community through service, outreach, and influential local involvement.
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2022 Illinois Local Award Winners
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year
Awarded for exemplary representation of Illinois Local’s mission and for uplifting small businesses across the region.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media
Honored for creative and impactful social media engagement that enhanced brand visibility and community connection.
Illinois Local Community Hero
Recognized for meaningful community impact through accessible, nutritious meal prep supporting families across Springfield and Bloomington.
Illinois Local Business of the Year
Incredibly Delicious & The Storyteller Studios (Co‑Winners)
Celebrated for remarkable business excellence, community involvement, and ongoing contributions to Illinois’ small business ecosystem.
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2021 Illinois Local Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year
Awarded for creating a lasting positive impact in Springfield through exceptional service and local engagement.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year
Green Haven
Recognized for embodying Illinois Local’s mission by championing members and fostering a collaborative community spirit.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media
Honored for effectively leveraging social media to expand their audience, boost brand awareness, and grow their reach.
Friend of Illinois Local
Aubrey Johnson
Recognized for extraordinary support of Illinois Local and its members, substantially advancing the organization’s success.