Local workplace design firm to be honored at annual Michigan Celebrates awards gala in East Lansing on April 22
Midland, Michigan— SPACE has been recognized as a 2025 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. SPACE will be recognized and celebrated during an awards ceremony in East Lansing on April 22, 2025. Michigan Celebrates Small Business offers a platform for Michigan entrepreneurs to be recognized for their ingenuity and perseverance, and overall positive impact on the state’s economy. There have been over 1,000 companies honored at MCSB over the past 20 years, including 950 second-stage companies recognized by the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award.
“As we recognize many incredible entrepreneurs on the statewide stage at Michigan Celebrates Small Business, we want to give special recognition to SPACE as a WomanOwned Small Business of the Year,” said Charity Dean, President of the Michigan Black Business Alliance and member of the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Advisory Committee. “These founders and owners inspire us deeply, knowing the unique challenges women in business face on their path to success. Kathie Fuce-Hobohm is emblematic of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our state's economy forward, and we are so proud of their success.”
“Some moments in business make you pause and reflect on the journey—and this is one of them. SPACE is honored to be recognized as one of the Best Woman-Owned Businesses in Michigan by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. This milestone reflects the dedication of our incredible team and the impact we strive to make every day. From thevery beginning, our mission has been to create workplaces that help people thrive—sustainably and with purpose. Along the way, we have been incredibly fortunate to receive support from organizations like SBAM, the Midland Business Alliance, the Stevens Center for Family Business, our local Apex Accelerators, the MEDC, and a myriad of business mentors who believed in us, challenged us, and helped shape our path. Winning the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award in 2007, facilitated by MCSB and the Edward Lowe Foundation, was a turning point—providing not only recognition but also the resources and guidance that propelled us forward. This latest honor reaffirms how far we've come. I’m incredibly proud of our journey and deeply grateful for the people and organizations who have helped make SPACE what it is today." – Kathie Fuce-Hobohm
Awardees in this category are selected based on the following:
• Staying power, a history as an established business.
• Demonstrate stable number of employees.
• Financially stable.
• Demonstrated potential necessary for long-term business success and growth.
• Have a positive company culture where employees are valued.
• Community engagement, including contributions and volunteerism to aid community-oriented projects; and
• Voluntary efforts to support women directly or issues affecting women, including women-owned businesses within the community.
This year’s celebration includes a small business summit and VIP reception on Monday April 21st, with a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on April 22nd.
The full list of awardees and ticket information can be found at https://michigancelebrates.org.
About Michigan Celebrates Small Business: The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation serves as managing partner of the program, under the direction of a new advisory committee. The advisory committee includes the Edward Lowe Foundation, Kinexus, the Michigan Black Business Alliance, the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, National Veteran Business Development Council, Small Business Association of Michigan and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.