Columbia, SC, September 15, 2025
News Summary
COLAtoday is excited to honor Columbia’s vibrant business community with the Best Biz awards. The nomination process opens on September 15 and concludes on October 3, inviting residents to nominate their favorite local businesses across a range of categories. The community’s participation is encouraged to recognize the talent and diversity within the area, as winners will be announced on December 8, following a public voting period from October 20 to November 25.
Columbia, SC – COLAtoday is set to honor and showcase local businesses through its initiative, the Best Biz awards, dedicated to celebrating the diversity and talent of establishments in the Columbia area. The nomination process kicks off on Monday, September 15, and will extend until Friday, October 3.
Community members are invited to participate by nominating their favorite businesses across various categories, which include everything from coffee shops to event venues. To submit a nomination, individuals can easily fill out an online form available on COLAtoday’s platform. Both desktop and mobile access options are provided to ensure inclusivity in the nomination process.
For those who may encounter difficulties while nominating, assistance is available by reaching out to the contact email provided: todaysbest@6amcity.com. COLAtoday encourages engagement from the community, emphasizing the importance of collective participation in this commendable effort to recognize local talent.
A comprehensive count of nominations will take place after the nomination period wraps up, with the final nominees scheduled to be announced on Monday, October 20. Following this announcement, a public voting period will commence, allowing the community to choose their favorites. Public voting will run from October 20 to November 25, giving everyone ample opportunity to support their preferred local businesses.
Winners of the Best Biz awards will be revealed on December 8, creating a much-anticipated event where local businesses will be celebrated for their contributions to the community. COLAtoday’s initiative highlights the widespread diversity within Columbia’s business landscape, aiming to shine a spotlight on establishments that make the local economy vibrant and unique.
The awards cover a wide range of categories, inviting enthusiasts of all types of businesses to take part. The effort seeks not only to recognize excellence but also to encourage residents to shop and engage with their local economy.
Community involvement is key to the success of the Best Biz awards, as organizers wish to reflect the community’s preferences and experiences. This initiative serves as an ideal platform for businesses in Columbia to gain recognition and celebrate the support they receive from their customers. By participating, residents have the chance to influence which businesses are acknowledged for their quality and service.
With the nomination and voting process now in place, Columbia residents can look forward to a rewarding experience that honors the local business landscape, encouraging a sense of community and pride within the city.
Key Dates to Remember
- Nominations Open: September 15
- Nominations Close: October 3
- Nominees Announced: October 20
- Voting Period: October 20 – November 25
- Winners Announced: December 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the categories for nominations?
Nominations can be made across various categories such as coffee shops, restaurants, and event venues, among others.
How do I nominate a business?
You can nominate your favorite local business by filling out the online form available on COLAtoday’s platform during the nomination period.
What should I do if I experience issues with the nomination process?
If you face any problems while nominating, you can reach out for assistance at todaysbest@6amcity.com.
How will the nominees be selected?
Final nominees will be determined by counting all submitted votes after the nomination period ends.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners of the Best Biz awards will be officially declared on December 8.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Date |
|---|---|
| Nominations Open | September 15 |
| Nominations Close | October 3 |
| Nominees Announced | October 20 |
| Voting Period | October 20 – November 25 |
| Winners Announced | December 8 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Poets & Quants: Dorly Bouguignon – MBA to Watch
- BusinessBecause: M7 Business Schools
- Poets & Quants: Natalie Friel – Best & Brightest MBA
- Crain’s New York: Best Business Schools Ranking
- WLTX: COLAtoday’s Best Awards
- Wikipedia: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Google Search: Columbia Business School
- Google Scholar: Top Business Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduate Business Education
- Google News: Business Awards Columbia

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


