Mar. 22, 2024 (Mount Clemens, Michigan)— Lite Raise has been recognized as a 2024 SmartZone Best Small Business, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Lite Raise will be acknowledged on stage at the in-person awards ceremony during the 20th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on May 21, 2024.
The event will gather over 800 guests at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan to celebrate the achievements of this year’s award recipients.
Founder & CEO Marc Alexander reflects on the humble beginnings of Lite Raise, tracing back to an anonymous $16,000 donation that funded his final year of college, accompanied by a heartfelt plea to ‘Pay It Forward’. Today, that altruistic gesture has blossomed into a daily commitment to purpose. “In a landscape filled with worthy causes, Lite Raise offers an accessible and cost-effective solution for organizations seeking to raise vital funds,” he explains. “I constantly remind our team to ‘grow their branches while staying rooted’, acknowledging our Michigan origins as the bedrock of our journey. Being honored as a Michigan Celebrates Small Business Award recipient reaffirms our dedication to our community and our lasting presence in the state.”
Lite Raise stands at the forefront of social tech innovation, offering a multifaceted approach to fundraising. At its core, Lite Raise provides Lite Emerge, a groundbreaking fundraising software that empowers non-profits to achieve their fundraising goals efficiently and effectively. With Lite Emerge, organizations like Kiwanis are revolutionizing their fundraising efforts, leveraging its seamless integration and customizable features to raise vital funds for their clubs. This whitelabeled solution not only streamlines the fundraising process but also enhances donor trust and engagement, ensuring a consistent and effortless experience for all stakeholders involved. Lite Raise’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified through Lite Tuition, a pioneering platform designed exclusively for students, alleviating the financial strain of education expenses without the burden of debt. With Lite Raise, the future of fundraising is brighter than ever.
While navigating the dynamic and ever-changing small business landscape, the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awardees have demonstrated exemplary tenacity, adaptability, and leadership. The 2024 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.
“As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary of MCSB, we’re reminded of the incredible resilience and innovation within Michigan’s small business sector. This year’s winners demonstrate the collective entrepreneurial spirit that drives our state’s economy forward,” said Jennifer Deamud, MCSB Board Chair. “Congratulations to this year’s awardees. To all the winners, your dedication and leadership inspire us all, proving that success truly is best when shared.”
Companies nominated for the SmartZone Best Small Business award must demonstrate a strong relationship with the organization as well as significant success as a company.
Awardees in this category are selected based on the following:
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- Demonstrated growth through technology commercialization
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- Success with innovation
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- Strength of the relationship with the SmartZone
Additional information and ticket information can be found at MichiganCelebrates.org.
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Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is a collaboration of trusted statewide founding organizations who offer resources for small businesses. For 20 years, the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala has placed a spotlight on how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. The MCSB organization is focused on supporting, promoting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.
Kinexus Group is the Managing Partner of the Awards Gala.
Tickets can be purchased for this year’s gala at Michigan Celebrates Small Business – www.MichiganCelebrates.org/Tickets.
