Symplicity Communications has been awarded the 2026 Strategically Focused Michigan Small Business Award and will be recognized during the 22nd Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on April 22, 2026. Year after year, this event draws more than 800 guests to the Breslin Center in East Lansing to celebrate the achievements of small businesses and their supporters. This is the fourth time Symplicity has been honored by the MCSB as an awardee, following a 50 Companies to Watch in 2018, APEX Accelerator in 2024, Woman Business Enterprise in 2025 and now Distinguished Alumni in 2026.
“Recognizing a small business for a second time is especially meaningful, and Symplicity Communications’ resilience and forward-thinking approach make this honor well deserved as they earn the 2026 Strategically Focused Michigan Small Business Award,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Congratulations to Catherine Ripley and the entire team whose dedication and leadership continue to inspire and remind us that shared success is the most powerful kind.”
“This award feels particularly meaningful because it represents resilience, growth, and clarity of vision. Especially following a very personally difficult year for me in 2025,” said Symplicity Communications President and CEO, Catherine Ripley. “Symplicity has made bold decisions over the past several years to strengthen our foundation and stay aligned with who we are and how we serve.” She added, “To be recognized again by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Distinguished Alumni is both an honor and a reminder that when you stay focused on purpose and people, success follows.”
Companies nominated for the Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni: Strategically Focused award must be a previous Michigan 50 Companies to Watch recipient that has strategically increased its sales since receiving the Michigan 50 designation, ensuring continued sustainability in an ever-changing economy.
Small business owners and supporters from across Michigan will gather in April to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 awardees who have contributed to Michigan’s economy and are poised for sustained growth and success. For the full list of 2026 award winners and ticket information visit https://michigancelebrates.org/.
About Symplicity Communications
**Symplicity Communications, established in 2007 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a technology agency focused on real business results. A certified Women Owned Business by WBENC and Diverse Business Enterprise by the Grand Rapids Chamber, we design and implement scalable solutions across customer experience, automation, cybersecurity, and technology cost optimization—built to grow as your business grows. From customer experience platforms and automation to cybersecurity and technology cost optimization, we help businesses grow with confidence. We turn complex technology into real business results—because technology should work for people, not the other way around. **
