Since its inception in 1997, Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory has been committed to transforming the lives of children through its programs in gymnastics, dance, theater, cheer, academic preschool and more. Like many businesses, Jam Hops faced significant challenges in 2020 as staff and leadership devised a safe reopening strategy for its two Minnesota locations, but their dedication to providing childhood enrichment and education never wavered.
That dedication caught the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's attention as it selected a winner for this year's Dream Big Awards. Jam Hops was announced as the 2020 Dream Big Small Business of the Year and the recipient of a $25,000 prize at a virtual awards ceremony during The Big Week for Small Business on October 15, 2020.
Presented by Chase for Business, the annual Dream Big Awards celebrates the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America's economic growth. These small business accomplishments are all the more inspiring and impressive given this year's difficult circumstances.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the fabric of our communities," said Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber. "Over the last several months, they have faced challenge after challenge, and their grit, determination and generosity are an inspiration to us all."
Each year, the Small Business of the Year Award is given to a business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and individual initiative. The winner demonstrates success and leadership across numerous facets of business, including growth performance, innovative business strategies, community engagement and customer and employee relations.
Jam Hops has created more than 80 new jobs over the past three years and gives back to its community through scholarships, volunteer work and fundraising events for local organizations.
2020 Dream Big Small Business of the Year and Business Achievement Awards winners
Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory was one of 24 finalists selected by a panel of judges to win the Small Business of the Year Award. The company is one of a few in the nation to provide such a diverse array of activities for children all under one roof. Additionally, Jam Hops has created more than 80 new jobs over the past three years and gives back to its community through scholarships, volunteer work and fundraising events for local organizations.
The U.S. Chamber's panel also selected seven finalists to receive the following Business Achievement Awards:
- · Emerging Business Achievement Award: South LA Café – Los Angeles, CA
- · Green/Sustainable Business Achievement Award: Waterlust – Miami, FL
- · Minority-Owned Business Achievement Award: Dulan's Soul Food – Los Angeles, CA
- · Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award: Aptive Resources – Alexandria, VA
- · Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award: JJPR Agency – Daphne, AL
- · Young Entrepreneur Achievement Award: Teen Hustl – Broomfield, CO
- · Community Support and Leadership Award: InclusivCare – Avondale, LA
The Community Support and Leadership Award was a new addition to the 2020 Dream Big roster. This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to assist its community, customers, employees and neighbors throughout COVID-19.
InclusivCare, a healthcare center near New Orleans, received the Community Support and Leadership Award for its quick pivot to establish a coronavirus Action Team before the first case was diagnosed in Louisiana. What was supposed to be a grand opening event for a new pharmacy morphed into a COVID-19 outreach event to ensure their community was prepared.
Over the last six months, InclusivCare has held more than 60 mobile COVID testing events and partnered with local police departments, senior centers, churches, food banks and government organizations to fight the pandemic in hard-hit communities.
"Through the Dream Big Awards, the U.S. Chamber is proud to honor the very best in American small business — the innovators, dreamers and doers who despite this year's obstacles, continue to be a beacon of hope through their actions, contributions and leadership," said Sullivan.
"These small businesses are doing amazing things in their local communities, whether it's the gym where kids can have fun and be active, or the health care company running to the frontlines of COVID-19," added Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Business Banking. "Their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, especially this year, is inspiring to all of us and we're proud to support them."
Learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual Dream Big Awards here.
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