Meet the 3 Small Businesses in the Running for the Women-Owned Business Achievement Award

Kelly Rosenblatt
Former Senior Manager, Small Business Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

September 23, 2021

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual Dream Big Awards, presented by Spectrum Reach, celebrate the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America’s economic growth.

Each year, the U.S. Chamber recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in the country.

The winner will be announced at the Dream Big Awards Ceremony, part of The Big Week for Small Business virtual event, on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5:00 PM ET. Learn more about the other Dream Big Award categories and finalists here.

Women-Owned Business Finalists:

The Trust Company of Tennessee,Knoxville, TN

Photo Provided by The Trust Company

The Trust Company of Tennessee Founder & CEO Sharon Pryse worked her way up from bank clerk to senior vice president before charting her own path to start a female-led investment company. The company grew through word of mouth, commitment to clients, and a stellar work ethic.

Today, The Trust Company of Tennessee has $4 billion in assets under management. Pryse and her team are committed to helping their clients reach financial success and freedom by building lifelong relationships with clients through a personalized approach to financial planning.

“The response of our employees to serve our clients and support our community and each other during the COVID-19 pandemic is, and continues to be, a bright spot in showcasing our commitment, expertise, grit and tenacity.” - The Trust Company of Tennessee

Path To Publishing,Las Vegas, NV

Photo provided by Path to Publishing

Path To Publishing was created to help everyone with a story to tell, testimony to share, or message to deliver have an opportunity to do so. President Joylynn Ross and her team out of Las Vegas, Nevada, provide resources, education, and other tools to help their clients achieve success on their literary journey.

“The proudest moments are when we see our clients achieving—and even soaring beyond—the writing and publishing goals they set for themselves. At Path To Publishing, our success is based on the success of those we help win. When our clients win, we win.” – Joylynn Ross, President, Path To Publishing

Made In Corpus Christi,Corpus Christi, TX

Photo provided by Made In Corpus Christi

Nicole Riojas, Owner of Made in Corpus Christi, started her business in 2013 with $500 and a creative idea. Made in Corpus Christi is more than a gift shop. Nicole created her brand to bring pride to her community. Made in Corpus Christi celebrates what makes the community a great place to live and visit. Locals and visitors alike stop into Nicole’s shop to purchase gifts for friends and family, all while supporting the community.

“My proudest moment has been seeing this vision grow from a single idea into a venture that now employs six people; collaborates with over 30 small, independent businesses; raises funds to donate to local non-profits; and gives an outlet to the immensely talented creatives in our community.” – Nicole Riojas, Owner, Made in Corpus Christi

Register for the Dream Big Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5:00pm ET to find out who will win the award for women-owned business achievement!