NMSN Award Submission Open
The Nebraska Main Street Awards are back—and this year, we're celebrating excellence in a more intentional way. We’re inviting all Network Members and Designated Main Street communities to submit nominations that spotlight the people, projects, and partnerships making your downtowns thrive.
What’s New This Year?
Each category will have one winner and several honorable mentions. We’re narrowing the focus to help you elevate your submissions and showcase your community's best and brightest. Whether you have one story to share or five, make them count! Your nominations should be based on the 2024 calendar year.
Award Categories for 2025:
Business of the Year – Honoring a business that leads by example in revitalization and community engagement.
Outstanding Public Partner – Celebrating a government entity that goes above and beyond for downtown.
Main Street Volunteer of the Year – Recognizing dedicated individuals who make the mission possible.
Design Improvement of the Year – Highlighting transformative design projects and adaptive reuse.
Event & Promotion of the Year – Showcasing creative events that drive foot traffic and economic impact.
Statewide Business of the Year - Open to all businesses in the state of Nebraska- does not have to be a Main Street member.
Tips for Success:
- Be specific in your storytelling.
- Include quality photos (before/after, in-action, etc.).
- Use real data when available (e.g., project costs, sales lifts, attendance figures).
- Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance—we're here to help!
Bonus Tip: Video can be a great way to showcase your projects. Look for a content creator or a young student who is interested in helping you tell your Main Street story.
Deadline to Submit: October 11, 2025
Submit as many categories as you’d like—but focus on crafting thoughtful, well-documented entries. This is your chance to amplify what’s working and inspire others across the state. This year, we are only accepting PDF submissions. Your PDF should include written text and your photographs. If you’re submitting a video, feel free to share the link with us to watch on a YouTube or Vimeo account. If you want to make your submission look professional, we recommend using a template on Canva. It’s a free platform anyone can use to create well-designed documents, graphics, images, and videos. If you’d like a quick tutorial on the platform or help with your design, please get in touch with Ashley Peterson at Ashley.peterson.mrktg@gmail.com.
Let’s celebrate what makes your community exceptional.
Nominate Your Community Champions
Questions? Email us at alyt.nemainstreet.com.
