Michigan’s Small Business Association is honoring VETLIFE for its innovative programming, direct outreach, and strong community partnerships as it helps ensure that military service members, veterans, and their families receive the support they need to thrive through its Michigan Celebrates Small Business annual competition.
VETLIFE was formed in 2018 by veteran families for veteran families. The organization was born out of the struggles veterans face after leaving the military, extending across multiple domains, including healthcare, education, mental health, employment, and quality of life, with a focus on bridging systemic gaps that often leave veterans underserved.
A cornerstone of VETLIFE’s work is connecting veterans to their entitled benefits through personal, hands-on outreach and innovative technology. By providing veterans with the tools and support they need to succeed, VETLIFE creates a ripple effect that benefits communities, organizations, and the nation as a whole.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business is a prestigious annual competition honoring small businesses and their supporters that offers a platform for Michigan companies to be recognized for their business endeavors and positive effect on the state’s economy. Launched in 2004, it has become Michigan’s premier awards program for small businesses. There have been over 1,000 companies honored by MCSB over the past 20 years.
“Michigan Celebrates Small Business showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of Michigan’s small businesses, and this award in particular honors military veterans who have achieved remarkable success in the private sector after their service,” said Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “The Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award showcases impressive dedication and leadership from VETLIFE, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their contributions on the statewide stage.”
VETLIFE will be acknowledged on stage at the in-person awards ceremony during the 21st Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on April 22, 2025. For more than 20 years, this annual event has gathered more than 800 guests to celebrate the achievements of small business award recipients. This year’s celebration includes a small business summit and VIP reception on Monday, April 21, then a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on April 22.
While navigating the dynamic and ever-changing small business landscape, the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awardees have demonstrated exemplary tenacity, adaptability, and leadership. The 2025 Awards Gala will put Michigan’s small businesses in the spotlight and give them a chance to share their success stories with the supporters who helped them get to where they are today.
Awardees in this category are selected based on the following:
• Ability to sustain growth into the future.
• Intention of continued social good-doing to support veterans
• Contribution to the veteran community
The full list of award winners and ticket information can be found at MichiganCelebrates.org. More information on the veteran nonprofit organization VETLIFE can be found at www.vetlifetoday.org.
About Michigan Celebrates Small Business: The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation is the managing partner of MCSB, under the direction of an advisory committee. The advisory committee includes the Edward Lowe Foundation, Kinexus Group, Michigan Black Business Alliance, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, National Veteran Business Development Council, Small Business Association of Michigan and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
