Honor comes from the state’s most prestigious small business program
Lansing, MI—Güd Marketing has been recognized as a 2025 awardee for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB), which is managed in partnership with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation and is the most prestigious small business program in the state of Michigan.
Güd Marketing will be acknowledged onstage at a black-tie awards ceremony during the 21st annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala as part of a Capitol Day on April 22, 2025, in Lansing.
Launched in 2004, the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards have been celebrating and elevating Michigan small businesses for more than two decades, with over 1,000 companies having been honored over the past 20 years.
“Michigan’s small businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Even amidst significant challenges, these recipients of Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards are innovating and growing in extraordinary ways,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated entrepreneurs as the core of our state’s economy. They deserve all the recognition they can get, and we’re excited to bring everyone together next month to honor their achievements.”
After receiving more than 650 nominations for the competitive 2025 awards program, 90 Michigan small businesses – including Güd Marketing – will be recognized for their role in growing the state’s economy, creating jobs and being an integral part of communities from Muskegon to Ironwood to Ann Arbor.
The full list of 2025 award recipients can be found at MichiganCelebrates.org.
“We’re honored to be recognized with this award, said Deborah Horak, President and Principal of Güd Marketing. “It reflects the hard work, ingenuity and passion we bring to improving lives and communities.”
Güd Marketing, located in Lansing, has been a vital part of the state’s small business community since 1978, offering comprehensive marketing and communications services. Over the last decade, the agency has focused exclusively on social issue marketing that delivers tangible benefits to communities across Michigan and beyond.
Güd Marketing has a team of over 50 professionals dedicated to building a brighter future.
“We have an extraordinary team, added Jill Holden, Strategic Planning Director and Partner. “Their commitment to this work drives our mission to meaningfully and measurably impact communities and inspires us to imagine a better world for all.”
The Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award recognizes high-potential, second-stage companies in Michigan. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan. The SBAM Foundation is the managing partner of MCSB, under the direction of an advisory committee.
Judges from economic and entrepreneurship development organizations across the state annually select the winners based on demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on the following:
- Employee or sales growth
- Sustainable competitive advantage
- Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success
Additional information and ticket information can be found at https://michigancelebrates.
For additional details about Güd Marketing’s mission and work, or to learn more about the services Güd provides, please contact us at gudbusiness@gudmarketing.
About Güd Marketing
Güd Marketing is a fully integrated, cause-based marketing agency specializing in making meaningful connections between public organizations and the people they serve. Based in Lansing, Michigan, the agency remains committed to improving societal outcomes and advancing equity through strategic and resonant communications.
