Annual Illinois Local Business Awards.
Celebrating the Backbone of Our Communities
Independent businesses are the heartbeat of Illinois. They create unique local flavors. They drive our regional economy. They foster communities where families can thrive. The Annual Illinois Local Awards were established to shine a bright spotlight on these contributions. By honoring our state's dedicated entrepreneurs, innovators, and community pillars, we celebrate the grit and passion of Illinois independent businesses. Winning an Illinois Local Award is more than an accolade. It is a testament to your vital role in building a stronger, more resilient Illinois.
Award Categories & Recognition
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 an independent business showing exceptional growth, outstanding customer service, and strong ties to the Illinois economy.
Illinois Local Community Hero: Celebrates a business or non-profit champion whose mission, donations, or volunteerism enhance life in Illinois communities.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: Celebrates creative digital storytelling and impactful community engagement, keeping local audiences connected and inspired.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year: Celebrates an individual or business actively championing the "Shop Local" movement and fostering collaboration among Illinois entrepreneurs.
How to Enter: Join the Illinois Local Movement
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 instantly 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
Nominations open every October
Click the link below to submit your nomination during the annual awards window.
(Placeholder button/link goes here until October.)
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3️⃣ Attend the Awards Ceremony
Held during the Illinois Local Small Business Saturday Holiday Market — Saturday, November 28th
Celebrate with fellow business owners, finalists, and community leaders as we recognize outstanding local businesses across Illinois.
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Your business deserves to be celebrated — and it all starts with becoming a member.
Illinois Local Historic Award Winners
Since 2021, the Illinois Local Awards have featured exceptional small businesses, community leaders, and ambassadors who exemplify the “Shop Local” spirit. Each year, we celebrate those who energize our regional economy, uplift their communities, and advance the mission of Illinois Local.
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2025 Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year: Cured Catering.
Awarded for sustained excellence and impactful contributions to the Illinois Local community.
Illinois Local Community Hero:
Be Like Emma Dress Resale (illinoislocal.org in Bing)
Recognized for creating lasting community impact through service, support, and mission‑driven local involvement.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year:
Balance Yoga (illinoislocal.org in Bing)
Celebrated for exemplifying Illinois Local’s mission by uplifting, expanding, and showcasing fellow members.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop.
Honored for a vibrant, engaging, and community‑oriented social media presence.
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2024 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: Kate Spencer Photography.
Celebrated for consistent advocacy of the “Shop Local” movement and dedicated visual promotion of Illinois business owners.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: Taylormade Land Works.
Honored for artistic storytelling, active audience participation, and building an energetic online community.
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2023 Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year:
Troxell Insurance (illinoislocal.org in Bing)
Awarded for steadfast support of local businesses and commitment to reinforcing the Illinois Local community.
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year: GM Photography.
Recognized for championing local business owners and consistently highlighting the “Shop Local” mission through visual storytelling.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: Sangamon Tree Service.
Honored for inventive, engaging digital content that cultivated a loyal online following.
Illinois Local Community Hero: Brave Hazel Boutique.
Celebrated for building community through service, outreach, and influential local involvement.
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2022 Award Winners
Illinois Local Ambassador of the Year: Main Street Florist.
Awarded for exemplary representation of Illinois Local’s mission and for uplifting small businesses across the region.
Illinois Local Best Use of Social Media: One Knotty Maker.
Honored for creative and impactful social media engagement that enhanced brand visibility and community connection.
Illinois Local Community Hero: Fed Kitchen.
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 Award Winners
Illinois Local Business of the Year: Café Moxo.
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: Serious Lip Balm.
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.