Welcome. We're excited that you're applying for the Scale Up North Awards!
PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING:
- The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. Please note that you must complete the application in one sitting as you will not be able to save your work.
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Download this copy of the questions and write answers ahead of time—you may need help from your CFO or other team members.
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Then, copy and paste answers into the online form below where it says ‘Start Application’—remember, you need to complete the application in one sitting, and you must complete the online version of the form (below).
Need Help? Learn more about Scale Up North. Or scroll down on this page for FAQs.
FAQs
The deadline to apply for the Scale Up North Awards 2022 is Friday February 18th at 11:59pm EST.
No – there is no nomination period. Instead, please encourage the business that you have in mind to apply right here, at this page!
No. Your business does NOT need to be an investor (member) of Traverse Connect in order to submit an application. In fact, part of the prize package is a complimentary year of Executive-level investor benefits at Traverse Connect! If your business is already a member your next renewal will be free of charge.
The Emerging Business Award is focused on supporting new local businesses in the startup phases of growth. Eligibility criteria for companies applying for the Emerging Business Award are less than five years in business, with any amount of revenue, and at least three full-time employees.
The Hagerty Scaling Business Award is focused on supporting scaling businesses with demonstrated growth. Eligibility criteria for companies applying for the Hagerty Scaling Business Award are more than five years in business, revenue in 2020 that is greater than or equal to $500,000, and up to 150 full-time employees.
Additionally, in order to qualify for either category your business must be headquartered in one Traverse Connect’s five-county service areas (Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Antrim, Leelanau and Benzie counties).
The Emerging Business Award includes a $2,500 cash prize, plus a suite of other awesome opportunities. The total prize package is valued at $20,000+ in cash and in-kind services.
The Hagerty Scaling Business Award includes a $5,000 cash prize, plus a suite of other awesome opportunities. The total prize package is valued at $40,000+ in cash and in-kind services.
Please visit the Scale Up North webpage to review the complete prize packages.
We estimate it will take about 30 minutes to complete the application.
If you would like to see an editable word doc version of the questions – ahead of submitting your application – please click here.
You will be notified if you have been selected for the Showcase on Friday, February 26, 2021. Up to 20 Finalists will be selected to showcase their work via the virtual Scale Up North Showcase on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Video shorts that are required for the Showcase must be submitted by 5pm EST on Friday February 12, 2021.
There are ten judges including past Scale Up North winners and representatives from our Sponsoring Partners. You can meet the judges here.
The top 10 finalists will be notified on Friday, March 18, 2022.
The top six finalists will be notified on Friday, April 8, 2022.
The Scale Up North Finals will take place on May 5, 2022, from 4-7pm, and are the culminating events for the 2022 Scale Up North Awards. The Scale Up North Finals will feature a pitch competition for the three finalists within the Emerging Business Award category, a moderated panel discussion with the three finalists within the Hagerty Scaling Business Award category, followed by announcements from the judges declaring the 2022 winners.
Please check Traverse Connect’s events page for updates on the finals event and to book your tickets.
If you need help with completing the application, or if you have other questions related to Scale Up North, please contact Camille Hoisington, Director of Strategic Projects at Traverse Connect: camille.hoisington@traverseconnect.com