Small business awards showcase best up-and-coming startups

Throughout the U.S., there are a number of up-and-coming companies that are surviving the everyday struggle of owning a business to put out a needed product to their consumers. The Virginia-based Score Association, a nonprofit dedicated to helping out these small business owners, recently held a national awards ceremony to honor the best and brightest small companies and startups throughout the U.S.

“This year’s Score Awards are particularly special, as we have reached a milestone of 10 years of celebrating the American entrepreneurial spirit through this awards ceremony,” said Resa Kierstein, Vice President of Development for Score, in a press release. “Our winners come from all across the country, with diverse backgrounds and businesses in varied industries, but they share the courage and determination to make their dreams a reality. In addition to recognizing them, and our dedicated Score mentors, we also thank our partners, all of whom strengthen our efforts to educate and support American entrepreneurs.”

A pair of U.S. congresspeople won honorary awards for their work cultivating ideal environments in their constituencies where small business can flourish.

Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas received the Senate Small Business Champion Award and Rep. Alma S. Adams of North Carolina took home the House Small Business Champion Award.

Other notable winners included Blue Ridge Bucha of Virginia winning the Outstanding American Manufacturing Small Business Award; Iowa’s Corning Opera House receiving the Outstanding Community Impact Business Award; and Florida’s Creative Behavior Solutions being honored with the Outstanding Women-Owned Business Award.

Score also doled out the Lou Campanelli Award to recognize exceptional volunteering throughout the small business community. This year’s award went to Steve Strauss, an important figure in the small business world and columnist for USA Today.

“Since 1964, Score has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses,” said Score Association CEO Ken Yancey. “These awards honor a few of the most outstanding among them, and recognize the Score mentors who have helped them along their journeys to success. We hope that sharing these powerful stories will inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams, and to take full advantage of the valuable resources that Score provides.”