LANSING ? The deadline to apply for the 2015 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awards is Friday Nov. 7 at 5 pm. But you don?t have to have the paperwork done until December. This year?s theme is Unleashing Innovation and Growth: Michigan Entrepreneurs, focusing on companies that are innovative in their fields or practices and achieving growth and success.

?We had about a thousand people at the event last spring,? said Michael Rogers, communications director of the Small Business Association of Michigan, one of the annual sponsors. ?We expect the same number next spring.?

Know of a company that is innovative in its field or practice and achieving growth and success? Nominate them by Nov. 7.

?Any small business that is really serious about marketing themselves and promoting their entrepreneurial success can?t miss applying for these programs,? Rogers said. ?The awards are free, but the recognition is priceless.?

To nominate a company, click on MichiganCelebrates.Biz