PORTLAND — For the 17th year, the Institute for Family-Owned Business will honor the best and brightest family businesses with the Maine Family Business Awards.

Nominations are being accepted and may be made by those inside or outside the business. An online nomination form and other information are available at: www.fambusiness.org, or by contacting the Institute at 207-798-2667. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 11.

Presented in partnership with Portland-based law firm, Verrill Dana, the awards will be presented June 7 to Maine firms that demonstrate excellence in family involvement, business success, and commitment to employees, customers and community.

Categories include:

• Maddy Corson Small Business Award (fewer than 25 employees)

• Renys Large Business Award (more than 25 employees)

• Shep Lee Community Service Award

• The Wolak Group Customer Service Award

• People’s United Bank Innovation/Technology Award

• First Generation Award

• Environmental Leadership Award

An independent judging panel selects winners based on varied criteria, including business success, positive business and family linkages, contributions to the community and industry, family participation, work environment, communication and innovative business practices or strategies.

Though there are many acceptable definitions of “family business,” for the awards’ purposes, a family-owned business is two or more family members working, or owning, a business together.