Martha Stewart Hoists American Flag in Salute to Entrepreneurs

Martha Stewart is hitching her personal brand to the patriotic push behind Made in USA brands. This fall she's launching what she hopes will become the first annual American Made Awards, a celebration of American artists, artisans and entrepreneurs. Inaugural sponsors are Avery Dennison and The UPS Store. 

"Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is the embodiment of my passion for food, design, crafts, gardening and so much more,” she commented in a press release.

“It is also the realization of an entrepreneurial dream. I am excited to recognize the work of other creative entrepreneurs and it is my hope that American Made will become an annual initiative for the brand that will continue to nurture honorees, support their passions and expand their businesses, setting an inspiring example for the MSLO audience and beyond."

The public is invited to nominate businesses that inspire them or make a referral and MSLO editorial team will select those who make it through to a public vote. The winner will receive $10,000 to further their business and be feted at an October 16 pop-up artisanal fair at New York's Grand Central Terminal, as well as featured in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.

Ten rising entrepreneurs will be also be featured in the November issue of Martha Stewart Living, representing Food, Fashion, Design, Community, Gardening, Crafts and Technology.

On October 17 and 18, in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall, the public will be invited to how-to workshops hosted by Stewart and other experts, along with shopping, tastings and giveaways. Etsy is a programming partner for the workshops and will give live demonstrations and share techniques and tips.

"The Avery brand has always been a champion of the entrepreneur — anyone with an innovative idea can use our products to brand, merchandise and promote their business,” said Tim Bond, group vice president of Office and Consumer Products for Avery Dennison. “We have a variety of products to help small business owners succeed."

"Every day, The UPS Store owners support 'American Made' small businesses in communities nationwide," said Michelle Van Slyke, vice president of marketing and small business solutions for The UPS Store franchise network. "As community leaders, our participation in this awards program is an extension of our support of the small businesses of America, and we can't wait to see the stars that rise from this program."

Hitching her brand to American pride is the latest move for the world-famous entrepreneur, media personality, and former felon who bootstrapped her company (from catering to powerhouse lifestyle brand), served time for insider trading, her vast accomplishments include her award-winning magazine, best-selling books, Emmy award winning television show, website, syndicated newspaper column, national radio show, mail-order catalogue, and product lines.