Business Recognition Programs

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You're Invited! Annual Business Awards Celebration!

The 2025 Annual Business Awards Gala will be held at South Portland High School on February 25, 2026 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.   Recipients can be found on our social media pages or in our newsletter.  Join us for a night of fun as we recognize standout businesses in our community.  Social hour followed by award presentations.  All SoPo residents and business community are welcome!  No cost to attend but RSVP kindly requested! For more information on the awards program and categories - scroll down this page. 

RSVP to attend here!

Out & About

Our department staff periodically pop-in for visits to our many businesses.  We hope to touch base and learn about the diverse products and services available in South Portland. We are also looking to listen to needs and get feedback to better support our businesses through all of our initiatives and daily work.  If you want us to come by, please email Biz Support and we'll get you scheduled! 

Business Spotlight

Nominate a Business

Business Spotlight recipients are selected by Economic Development Committee from a pool of businesses nominated for recognition by the community. Selections occur throughout the year to provide our businesses with constant and ongoing visibility.  Recipients will receive a framed recognition award presented by community leaders and some great PR including social media, newsletters, photos and reels/videos.  You can submit a nomination for a business anytime during the year using our quick and easy Nomination Form. If you are unable to complete the online form please email Biz Support and we will provide a hard copy form that can be submitted by email, in person or by USPS mail. 

Annual Business Awards

Nominate a Business

The Economic Development Committee leads the selection of the annual awards recipients to ensure the community voice is heard and represented in the process. The Committee  selects recipients from businesses nominated by the community .  Nominations are taken throughout the year with selections each fall and the gala each winter. Recipients will receive a plaque, the recognition they deserve, and an opportunity for some great PR including social media, newsletters and a custom professionally produced video.   You can submit a nomination for a business using our quick and easy Nomination Form. If you are unable to complete the online form please email Biz Support and we will provide a hard copy form that can be submitted by email, in person or by USPS mail. 

Nominees MUST be businesses or organizations located in South Portland. Full criteria is listed below. 

For more information, email the Economic Development Office or call 207-347-4139.

Award Selection Process

Nominations are accepted from organizations and the public. The City of South Portland Economic Development Committee (EDC) and City of South Portland staff may also nominate candidates. Each fall, the EDC reviews nominations and selects the current year award recipients. The recipients are celebrated at a public gala celebration and ceremony each winter. 

Nomination Criteria

We welcome nominations of businesses in South Portland that you feel would fit one or more of the following categories:

  • New Business of the Year Award - Nominees for this award represent one of the new great additions to the South Portland Business Community who opened in the current year.
  • Business Leader of the Year Award - This award honors an individual who has set a lasting precedent for success and innovation for the South Portland Business Community.
  • Small Business of the Year Award (Fewer than 25 employees) - Nominees for this award represent a small organization that has a major impact in the City of South Portland.
  • Business of the Year Award (25 or more employees) - This award honors a business that has most profoundly improved and strengthened the South Portland business community.
  • Santo "Sam" DiPietro Community Impact Award - Nominees for this award can be an individual, business, agency, organization, community, or nonprofit corporation, that has gone above and beyond to make the South Portland business community and the community as a whole a better place to live, work, and locate a business. Consideration may include expanding and/or diversifying the workforce, improvements to health and environmental sustainability, and/or other contributions.
  • Sustainable Business Award - This award recognizes businesses and individuals who prioritize sustainable practices and are making strides towards impactful change for a healthy environment, thriving economy, and providing equitable and quality employment.
  • Maker Business of The Year Award - This award honors a business or individual entrepreneur that produces handmade items, contributes to local artisan markets, and/or elevates arts & culture within the South Portland Community.

Award winners will receive a plaque, the recognition they deserve, and an opportunity for some great PR including social media, newsletters and a custom professionally produced video.  

2025 Business Award Recipients

Business Leaders of the Year: Wade Merritt, MITC and SoPo Resident

New Business of the Year: Second Rodeo Coffee Shop

Santo "Sam" DiPietro Community Impact Award:  The Locker Project

Business of the Year (25+employees): Taj Indian Cuisine

Sustainable Business of the Year:  Dancing Harvest Farm

Maker Business of the Year: Seabird Aromatics

Small Business of the Year (25 or less): Barber Brothers Meat & Provisions