Two local businesses are feeling some pride after being notified that they are finalists in the 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Awards contest.

Seawicks Candle Company of Damariscotta and Treats of Wiscasset were chosen as two of 1,000 small businesses in the country to be entered in the final judging, which will begin Sept. 15. The judging was based in part on the number of likes and tweets on Facebook and Twitter.

The annual contest asks businesses to nominate themselves in one of five categories. Seawicks Candle Company is a finalist in the crafts category and Treats is listed in the food category, specifically restaurateur.

Seawicks Candle Company owner Michael Gaffney said he is excited.

“This is a great opportunity for two Midcoast companies,” he said. “We were chosen by the judges as a finalist, and we had over 500 likes on Facebook and 450 on Twitter.

Gaffney and his wife Cara, who live in Edgecomb and have two sons, have been making candles for three years, and have had their shop, Seawicks "Off to the Cottage," on Main Street in Damariscotta, since May 2013.

Gaffney said he and Cara are often in the shop until 2 a.m. making candles. Their candles are sold in 200 shops around the country, and as of a couple months ago, Seawicks Candles can be found in two large retailers: L.L. Bean and Company C.

Colin Lindley, of The Salty Lobster in Freeport, said in an email, “We had two customers (young ladies from Singapore) who experienced your candles at a B&B then saw your shop and bought some there. They came into the Salty Lobster and were excited to see Seawicks again and bought more.”

Treats owner Stacy Linehan said being selected as one of the finalists is a boon to her community.

“This could be really positive for the Midcoast community. It would be awesome for our communities to rally together (when it comes time to vote).”

Treats, owned by Linehan for 11 years, is a small store that sells baked goods, wines, cheeses and specialty food. Baked goods are made each morning beginning at 2 a.m. using mostly local, organic ingredients. Among the specialties are ginger scones, chocolate cookies, soups, sandwiches and chicken pot pies.

“I feel very passionate about the hard work that goes into a business, and there is so much more to it than one sees when walking into our shop,” Linehan said. “This competition that highlights wonderful goods that are made in America is really about community.”

Treats customer Kasey McNamara said in an email, “The things that connect us as a community are delicious food and friendly familiar faces when you walk in the door. This is why I go to Treats!"

The two businesses will be up for the final vote beginning Sept. 15 on the Martha Stewart American Made website, where anyone can place their vote by “liking” either or both participants.

Friends, family and fans will have the chance to cast their votes for their favorite “American maker.” On Oct. 17, ten winners will be announced. Nine will be chosen by the judges and one by the voters.

The judges, with Martha Stewart in the lead, will base their selections on innovativeness creativity, originality, workmanship and appearance.

Linehan is hoping the community will rally.

“Small businesses only thrive with community members that (provide) support, and we hope to be supported by everyone in Midcoast Maine with their votes for both TREATS and Seawick Candles.

“This is a great opportunity to be publicized nationally and to bring more income to our area.”