Golden Booster Award

A $10,000 marketing campaign for a deserving local business.

At Forward Minded Media we believe local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. The Golden Booster Award, in partnership with Hometown Hype, is a $10,000 marketing campaign designed to help one deserving business grow, gain visibility and create long-term momentum. This award is more than a giveaway. It's an opportunity to celebrate businesses making a meaningful impact and give them the tools to reach the next level.

Nominate a Business

What it is

A $10,000 marketing campaign, built to last

The Golden Booster Award provides one selected business with a professionally developed marketing campaign valued at $10,000. Rather than a one-time promotion, the selected business receives marketing assets and strategic guidance that can keep creating value long after the campaign is complete.

Professional storytelling

Strategic messaging

High-quality content creation

Increased brand visibility

Community-focused marketing support

Why we created it

Helping the people who shape our community

“

Our community has given so much to us over the years. The Golden Booster Award is our way of giving back and helping a local business reach new heights.

Jake Ward

President & Founder, Forward Minded Media

“

At its core, Hometown Hype exists to shine a light on the people doing meaningful work in our communities. The Golden Booster Award is a natural extension of that mission, not just telling their story but actively helping them grow.

Kelsey Barchenger

Host, Hometown Hype

Who can be nominated

Any business making a meaningful impact

Businesses of any size or industry are eligible to be nominated. The award is entirely community-driven, so businesses can only be considered through nominations submitted by customers, supporters, employees or community members who believe they deserve recognition.

Strong community impact

Dedication and passion

Positive local influence

Growth potential

How to nominate

Nominate a business

Nominations are open through November 15, 2026. Share why the business deserves recognition and the impact they've made in the community. The winning business will be announced at the Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) Business After Hours event on December 1, 2026.

Behind the award

The teams making it happen

Forward Minded Media

Forward Minded Media is a full-service marketing agency built to help brands grow with intention, creativity and strategy. We partner with businesses, organizations and community leaders to elevate their message through authentic storytelling, smart media placement and results-driven marketing. Our focus is simple: helping brands build visibility, credibility and long-term momentum in a crowded marketplace.

Hometown Hype

Hometown Hype exists to celebrate and amplify the stories that make local communities thrive. Through authentic storytelling and strategic visibility, Hometown Hype shines a spotlight on small businesses, entrepreneurs and changemakers creating real impact. The mission is to give local voices a bigger stage and turn hometown pride into momentum.

Questions?

Get in touch

Kelsey Barchenger

Forward Minded Media

(507) 461-1832