Three small businesses have been awarded $20,000 each as part of Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp’s nationwide "Small Business Hero Day" contest. The inaugural celebration of this recognition day on May 31 caps off * "Small Business Success Month by Intuit."
Each winning small business was nominated for the "Small Business Hero Day" contest for their incredible commitment to serving their local communities.
The winning businesses include:
Hive of the Ozarks (Willard, Missouri)
Owner Melissa Skaggs opened this nonprofit cafe and community hub in March 2022 in her hometown with the mission of helping those with varying abilities and special needs get access to job skills and training. Hive of the Ozarks hires employees at a 50/50 ratio of typically developing individuals to those with developmental disabilities in order to help build and enhance functional life and vocational skills for this underserved population. Beyond its focus on being an inclusive workplace, Hive of the Ozarks is a fully green business—producing zero waste and donating food scraps to a local farmer to feed animals—giving back to the local community in any way it can.
Tree House Craft Coffee & Frozen Yogurt (Houston)
Located in Houston's Energy Corridor, Tree House Craft Coffee & Frozen Yogurt is a unique specialty coffee shop with a self-serve frozen yogurt bar, designed so that parents and children can both enjoy special treats together. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Tree House opened its doors to offer relief to first responders and flood victims, keeping their restrooms open to the public, and providing free coffee and electricity to members of the community. While the business faced hardships of its own due to the hurricane – and later during the pandemic – owner Noel Montemayor has continually focused foremost on the community’s needs.
Ray’s Millpond Cafe (Ray City, Georgia)
This family-owned southern seafood restaurant run by Michael and Heather Heard has been a pillar within their community for nearly 60 years. During the pandemic, while their business took a hit due to short-term closures, Michael and Heather ensured every employee was still paid. In an area as close-knit as South Georgia, the cafe has remained a special place where people from all backgrounds and economic status can come together and enjoy the great food and atmosphere that Ray’s has to offer.
For more information on "Small Business Hero Day," visit SmallBusinessHeroDay.com.
Additional content celebrating Small Business Success Month is available on the QuickBooks blog.
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