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2026 Outstanding Growth Awards
Our 2026 Outstanding Growth Awards will celebrate outstanding deals from the 2025 calendar year alongside our outstanding West Michigan leaders. The event returns to the Grand Rapids Art Museum on March 24, 2026.
All nominee submissions are due no later than Sunday, February 15, 2026.
For over two decades, ACG Western Michigan’s annual Outstanding Growth Awards has recognized local businesses with sustained growth in sales, profitability, and employment, as well as their community involvement.
In 2024, we introduced a new format to recognize both outstanding deals and the exceptional individuals who make ACG and the West Michigan business community what it is today. This structure highlights the accomplishments of our member organizations as well as the leadership and talent driving growth across the region.
We will honor the exceptional work, leadership, and impactful deals executed by ACGWM members and West Michigan firms in the following award categories:
Deal of the Year
These deals are standout M&A transactions by deal size. Winning deals will be characterized not only by their value but also by their complexity, the perseverance shown by the parties involved, and their potential for growth.
All deals must have been completed by December 31, 2025.
Deal size categories include:
- Deal of the Year Under $10MM
- Deal of the Year Between $10–$20MM
- Deal of the Year Over $20MM
Individual Awards
ACGWM Member of the Year
Recognizes an ACGWM member who has made significant contributions to the association and our community throughout the year. The recipient demonstrates exceptional leadership, commitment, and a substantial positive impact on the growth and prosperity of ACGWM.
NextGen Leader of the Year
Honors a dynamic and promising leader under the age of 40 within the ACGWM community. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates remarkable leadership, innovative thinking, and meaningful contributions to the growth and prosperity of ACGWM and West Michigan.
Outstanding Community Impact Award
Honors an ACGWM member, past or present, who has profoundly impacted the chapter and the broader West Michigan community. This individual exemplifies leadership, initiative, and dedication that propels ACGWM forward and contributes significantly to the region’s business vitality.
Each award celebrates the complexity, resilience, and growth potential of the nominated deals and recognizes the teams and firms driving success in West Michigan’s business landscape.
Registration for ACG’s DealMAX® 2026 is officially open!
The premier conference for middle-market M&A will return to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on April 27–29, bringing together the most influential private equity dealmakers, investment bankers, lenders, M&A partners, and strategic acquirers—all under one roof.
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