Dream Big Awards recognize new Community Support and Leadership Award in response to COVID-19, plus 6 Business Achievement Awards
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory from Ham Lake, Minnesota as the 2020 winner of the $25,000 prize for its annual Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, presented by Chase for Business. The annual award celebrates the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America’s economic growth.
The Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awardrecognizes a small business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative. The winner exemplifies success and leadership across business growth performance, innovative business strategies, community engagement, as well as customer and employee relations.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the fabric of our communities. Over the last several months, they have faced challenge after challenge, and their grit, determination, and generosity are an inspiration to us all,” said Tom Sullivan, U.S. Chamber vice president of small business policy. “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. Congratulations to Jam Hops, InclusivCare, and all of this year’s award winners and finalists.”
Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory was one of twenty-four finalists selected by a panel of judges for the seven Business Achievement Awards and the one Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award.
Jam Hops impressed with its commitment to transforming the lives of children through their programs in gymnastics, dance, theater, cheer, "Ninja Zone,” academic preschool, and other activities. The company is one of a few in the nation to provide such a diverse array of activities all under one roof; has created more than 80 new jobs over the past three years; and prioritizes giving back to the community through scholarships, volunteer work, and fundraising events for community organizations.
New this year, the Community Support and Leadership Award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to assist the needs of its community, and to service the needs of its customers, employees, and neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic.
The award went to InclusivCare, a healthcare center near New Orleans. Before the first COVID case was announced in Louisiana, InclusivCare established an Action Team and quickly pivoted what was supposed to be a grand opening event for a new pharmacy into a COVID-19 outreach event to ensure their community was prepared. Since April, InclusivCare has held over 60 mobile testing events and established partnerships with local police departments, senior centers, churches, food banks, and the local government to tackle the coronavirus in hard hit communities.
The Business Achievement Award and Community Support and Leadership Award winners are:
- 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
“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,” said 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.”
Award winners were announced at the Dream Big Awards Ceremony as part of the 2020 virtual event The Big Week for Small Business, which took place October 13-15, 2020.
