From so many inspiring submissions, we’re proud to recognize the small businesses that keep going and come out stronger.
Ten small businesses. Real challenges. Real progress.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Aer Cosmetics faced early setbacks that could have ended the business, from a failed launch to product issues with its first customers. Instead of pushing ahead, they paused, rebuilt the product and replaced every order at their own expense. It reset how they operate. Customers saw the difference, and the business found its footing.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Malibu Village Books stayed open through fires, an earthquake, a mudslide and months of lost tourism. Even as the surrounding community faced ongoing disruption, they showed up every day, adjusting their operations and staying connected to their customers. In a year defined by uncertainty, they remained a constant.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
During a local water quality advisory, Drive Thru Joe chose not to use water they could not fully trust. While officials worked on a solution, the business hauled in clean water every day to keep serving customers safely. The work was expensive and exhausting, but it reinforced a clear principle: short-term costs are worth it to protect quality and trust. By refusing to cut corners, they strengthened customer confidence and built a higher standard for how they operate moving forward.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Luu Color Center stepped into a moment most businesses never plan for, taking on leadership, debt and operations all at once. They worked through it by learning the business from the ground up and making hard financial decisions along the way. Nothing about the process was quick or easy, but it made the business stronger.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
After losing its warehouse to a fire, Gourmet Food Solutions kept fulfilling orders by working out of temporary spaces and leaning on its vendor network. They kept the business moving, finding ways to adapt despite the disruption. Now, they’re better prepared for whatever comes next.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Ohana K9 reached a point where growth outpaced cash flow and payroll became difficult to sustain. They responded by building stronger systems around forecasting, budgeting and operations, which created more stability for the business and the team. Since then, they’ve been able to grow with greater confidence.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
B&C Tree Service transformed a fully manual operation while continuing to run the business day to day. They introduced payroll systems, scheduling tools and digital processes, even as work continued. The transition wasn’t easy, but it cleared the bottlenecks that had been holding them back.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Bar Tulio’s managed multiple restaurant locations while navigating rising costs and constant operational pressure. They focused on improving internal processes and strengthening leadership across each site, which brought teams into better alignment and made operations more consistent. The foundation continues to support the business as it grows.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
BarkMore Park and Wonderdog faced a major hurricane just months after acquiring the business. For weeks, they lost power, water and critical infrastructure. Even then, the team continued caring for the animals and serving their customers. They worked through each problem as it came. That grit held the business together when it mattered most.
GRIT & WISDOM AWARD WINNER
Social Express Catering & Meal Prep was serving afterschool meals across Atlanta when rising costs and an expired contract brought the business to a stop. They lost their kitchen, team and main source of income in days. Instead of quitting, they pivoted into catering, rebuilt their pricing and returned a year later. This time, they won the contract back.
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Smart Advice from America’s Hardworking Small Businesses
Practical advice from small business owners, offering personal perspectives on what it takes to succeed.
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Advice from Accountants for Accountants
A curated collection of real accountant insights on what matters most in the profession today.
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