Fort Worth, Texas – Today, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2023 Small Business of the Year awards, sponsored by Bank of Texas, at its annual State of the City event. This annual award recognizes and honors small businesses that have demonstrated exemplary “Best Practices” of entrepreneurship, such as sound business planning, fiscal responsibility and work process innovation in operating their business. This year's winners span various categories, showcasing the diverse entrepreneurial spirit Fort Worth is renowned for.
In the Category of Emerging Businesses: Divine Intervention
Divine Intervention Recovery, LLC is a woman and minority-owned limited liability company located in Hurst, Texas. Established in 2022, Divine Intervention Recovery, LLC was founded by Angela Sachse and Karen Yowman Kaniki, with the purpose of providing quality care for substance use recovery and mental health wellness. Both Angela and Karen have a combined wealth of knowledge from working in a variety of treatment programs from inpatient to outpatient and case management. Together, they aim to reduce the stigma of substance use and mental health counseling, while helping clients achieve success in their personal goals for overall health and well-being.
In the Category of 1-20 Employees: 6th Avenue Storytelling
At 6th Ave Storytelling, their mission is to empower entrepreneurship and simplify the process of starting and growing small businesses. They provide entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, strategy, and support they need to craft and share their stories effectively. The focus at 6th Ave Storytelling is on stories, as they believe that sharing a compelling story is the most effective way to market and grow a brand. When a business builds its brand on the foundation of a story, people listen, become invested, and make purchases.
In the Category of 21 - 50 Employees: Varghese Summersett
Varghese Summersett was established in 2014 to provide unmatched service and obtain unparalleled outcomes while focusing on growth and nurturing a culture that supports each member of the firm and their families. They have three elite teams of attorneys and staff that make up their award-winning criminal defense, family and personal injury law divisions. Filled with board-certified specialists, nationally recognized seasoned trial experts, and talented newcomers, the firm has separated itself from the pack.
In the Category of 51 - 100 Employees: Ampersand Coffee and Auticon USA
In an unprecedented moment for the Fort Worth Chamber, two winners are announced in the 51 - 100 employees category.
Ampersand, a community-driven coffee shop in Fort Worth, puts a modern twist on coffee, creating an exciting atmosphere for locals and visitors. They offer a wonderful selection of coffee drinks paired with favorite spirits, and their lounge transforms into a vibrant bar on weekends. Managed by AMPM Hospitality with 30+ years of experience, Ampersand earned recognition for Best New Bar and Coffee from Fort Worth Magazine in 2018, 2019, and 2022. With two streetside locations, their triumphs led to Ampersand's placement in Terminal C at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, providing travelers with coffee on the fly.
Auticon USA is an award-winning social enterprise with a mission to improve the employment prospects of autistic and neurodivergent people. To accomplish this, it builds high-quality technology careers for autistic adults and acts as a catalyst for change by bringing neurodiversity education to client workforces. Auticon attributes its success to the performance advantage of its autistic technology consultants and the benefits of neurodiversity that its clients experience. Auticon's awards include Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 2020, 2022 DEI initiative of the Year (Women in IT Summit and Awards), and 2023 Leader in Diversity (Dallas Business Journal).
The award winners were recognized at the Fort Worth Chamber’s 2023 State of the City address, featuring Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, on October 6 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Mark Nurdin, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Market for Bank of Texas, shared his support, "Small businesses are the lifeblood of a growing economy and essential for Fort Worth. They drive innovation, create jobs, and fuel growth so their success is success for Fort Worth. Bank of Texas is honored to support and empower these small businesses, and many others, as they continue to innovate and thrive."
Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, expressed his pride in honoring these outstanding companies, remarking, "Fort Worth has always been a city that champions its small businesses. We take immense pride in recognizing the hard work, dedication, and innovation demonstrated by Divine Intervention, 6th Avenue Storytelling, Varghese Summersett, Ampersand Coffee, and Auticon USA. These businesses epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels Fort Worth's prosperity."
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations to the 2023 award recipients for their exceptional achievements and their invaluable contributions to our community.
ABOUT THE FORT WORTH CHAMBER
The Fort Worth Chamber, with 1,300 member businesses, is one of the largest chambers in the North Texas region. Through its core functions of business retention and expansion, talent development, small business and entrepreneur support, and government advocacy, the Chamber’s vision is to drive the Fort Worth region to be the most thriving, inviting community for all. Contact the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at (817) 336-2491 or visit http://www.fortworthchamber.com/.
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