Main Street Wooster announces two new annual awards

Main Street Wooster announced the launch of two new annual awards with prizes adding up to over $10,000 in value. Nominations are now open for awards that recognize and celebrate the businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute to an economically strong downtown Wooster.

At its Jan. 30 annual meeting, Main Street Wooster will present the Downtown Wooster Merchant Collaboration of the Year and the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. Both were created to recognize innovation, cooperation and positive community impact.

The Merchant Collaboration of the Year will recognize two or more locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses in downtown Wooster that have worked together to plan and execute a collaborative promotion in 2025. This award celebrates partnerships that generate positive publicity, increase foot traffic and strengthen the overall downtown experience. The winning collaboration will receive a $1,000 advertisement that promotes its participating businesses.

The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, co-sponsored by the City of Wooster, will honor a newer business that has demonstrated a positive impact on downtown Wooster. Eligible businesses will have established a sustained presence downtown within their first five years of operation and will exemplify strong alignment with community values and long-term downtown goals. The winning business will receive cash and consulting valued at over $10,000, as well as an advisory meeting with the City of Wooster development manager.

“These awards are about more than business success,” said Shannon Waller, executive director of Main Street Wooster. “They recognize the people and partnerships that help make downtown Wooster a place where businesses collaborate, entrepreneurs grow and the community thrives. Businesses are encouraged to nominate themselves. They know better than anyone how much work goes into any success.”

Nominations for both awards are open through Jan. 4. Annual meeting tickets and award nomination links are available at www.MainStreetWooster.org/Annual-Meeting.

The traditional Design Awards for 2025 renovations also will be presented. The categories are Best Interior, Best Exterior, People’s Choice and Executive’s Choice.

“The awards themselves are quite distinctive, designed by Artfind Tile,” Waller said. “There is a camaraderie among the winners who have invested in making our downtown more beautiful."

The awards and Main Street Wooster’s annual meeting are made possible through the support of local sponsors. Bogner Construction serves as the lead sponsor, with supporting sponsorship provided by Wooster Color Point; Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston; Woo and WayCo for the Locals Podcast; and Pat and Patty Neyhart.