Honorees will be announced during a May 5 reception in Golden Valley
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (April 8, 2026) – Seven Minnesota companies have been named finalists for the fourth annual Meaningful Capitalism Awards, an initiative that recognizes privately held businesses that achieve strong financial performance while making a measurable difference in the lives of employees, families, and communities.
Three companies will be selected from the finalist group as this year’s honorees. They will be announced during an awards reception on May 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn.
The Meaningful Capitalism Awards spotlight organizations that demonstrate how business success and community impact can reinforce each other. Rather than focusing solely on growth, the awards highlight companies that intentionally invest in people, strengthen communities and operate with a long-term perspective on value creation.
Businesses recognized through the program typically demonstrate several shared commitments. They maintain sustainable profitability while actively supporting the personal and professional development of their employees. They also contribute a portion of their profits to charitable causes that promote dignity, respect and thriving communities. In addition, these companies strive to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders while providing products or services that help communities prosper.
The 2026 Meaningful Capitalism Awards finalists (listed alphabetically) are:
- Aagard
- Authentic®
- Cloud for Good
- Dedicated Financial GBC
- Prosperwell Financial
- Storm Creek®
- The Next Step Inc.
The winners will be revealed during the May 5 reception at the Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom in Golden Valley. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Additional information about the program is available here, and tickets are available for $125.
The awards program was inspired by Platinum Group, a Minnetonka-based business advisory firm.
This is the first year including a non-profit beneficiary, Wallin Education Partners. For over 30 years, Wallin Education Partners have been helping scholars in Minnesota with financial aid assistance, individual advising and expanded access to future opportunities.
This year also marks the launch of a new philanthropic component connected to the awards. Through the initiative, contributions from ticket sales and event attendees will support a designated nonprofit organization, helping translate the principles of meaningful capitalism into direct community investment.
“Our firm is proud to produce this program in part to honor Platinum Group Founder Dean Bachelor, who passed away in 2021. Dean defined, and had trademarked, our firm’s mission of Meaningful Capitalism™,” says Platinum Group Partner Bob Stewart. “Dean’s passion was to bring significant meaning to all stakeholders of every client we work with, and to drive their growth and success through capitalism. We recognize and appreciate seeing this same value in other companies and are placing the spotlight on them through this awards program.”
About Platinum Group
Platinum Group provides customized services for middle market business owners in need of financial turnarounds, buy- or sell-side assistance, family business successions, or help with other challenges and opportunities. For 45 years it has served more than 1,500 clients in a wide range of industries including agricultural, home health care, manufacturing, media, service and distribution.