Martha Stewart American Made 2014 awards program accepting nominations

The Martha Stewart American Made 2014 awards program, which recognizes “up and comers” in the growing maker culture, is accepting nominations for creative entrepreneurs in design, crafts, style and food categories.

People can nominate themselves or other makers for the awards, now in their third year, until Aug. 29.

“Today, we’re seeing local industry and locally made products thriving. They are having a real impact, both on the economy and on communities as a whole,” said Hannah Milman, Martha Stewart Living magazine crafts editorial director and judge. “American Made helps connect these makers and expand their outreach, with an emphasis on community and collaboration, so the whole country can see what they do.”

Prizes include $10,000, a trip to New York City to attend the American Made event, exposure in Martha Stewart publications and marketing and public relations assistance.

For Leo and Mary Kowal -- husband and wife cofounders of SVGCuts, a small paper-crafting business based outside St. Charles, Ill. -- winning the popular vote award last year was a game changer. “In addition to winning the $10,000 to further our business, the award, especially since it came from the craft queen herself, gave us instant credibility in the eyes of potential customers,” Leo Kowal said.

Judging runs through Sept. 8, and online voting is from Sept. 15 to Oct. 13. Winners will be announced Oct. 17.