Though it opened just a year ago, “Shine A Light” nominee Roomscapes Gallery and Heartworks Studio in Woodstock, Ga., is already making a big impact on their community. Their November 2008 Grand Opening Gala is pictured here.

A national competition is putting the spotlight on small businesses. NBC Universal and American Express have partnered to launch the “Shine A Light” program, honoring small businesses that are surviving these tough times by focusing on their communities and serving their customers well.

From mid-August through mid-September, nominations were accepted on the program’s website. Visitors were asked to share stories about their favorite local businesses. Three judges—fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, MSNBC’s small-business expert JJ Ramberg and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres—will review the nominations and select three finalists to receive $10,000 grants.

Then it’s up to the public to decide who will win the grand prize: a $50,000 grant and $50,000 in marketing support. Voting is open Sept. 24-Oct. 16 on the website.

“The passion, dedication and resilience of these business owners are especially relevant in times like these—they are the key drivers of economic recovery, and we look forward to spotlighting the wonderful work that they do every day,” says Nancy Smith, vice president of global media, content and community at American Express.

A number of art galleries were among the nominees, including Giving Tree Gallery in East Sandwich, Mass., and Roomscapes Gallery and Heartworks Studio in Woodstock, Ga. Click here to see the three finalists and cast your vote for the winner.