Montgomery, AL — On Friday, August 22, 2025, more than 300 business and community leaders gathered at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for the inaugural MGM Small Business Awards—a powerful evening that honored local entrepreneurs, spotlighted innovation, and affirmed Montgomery’s commitment to growing its small business ecosystem.
Hosted by the City of Montgomery, Access Montgomery, and the Small Business One-Stop Shop (SBOSS), the event recognized winners across 11 award categories and presented six Storefront Improvement Grants valued at $15,000 each—an investment directly supporting the city’s commercial corridors.
“This event shows the progress of our vision: Montgomery is a city where small businesses don’t just survive—they thrive,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “By celebrating excellence and making real investments, we are building an economy where opportunity reaches every corner of our community.”
Frank Robinson, Montgomery’s Director of Economic Development, added: “The energy in the room was electric. These awards prove what we already know—small businesses are the backbone of Montgomery’s economy. Tonight wasn’t just about recognition; it was about reinforcing the partnerships and programs that help entrepreneurs grow and keep Montgomery moving forward.”
Award Winners
- Community Impact Award: Better Than Average Tutoring
- Emerging Business of the Year (1–3 Years): TyWrites LLC
- Enterprise Excellence (26–100 Employees): Heptagon Information Technologies
- Founders Flame (1–2 Employees): S & K Services
- Innovative Business of the Year: T Baldwin Music LLC
- Legacy Business of the Year (25+ Years): Pate Landscape Company, Inc.
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Martha’s Place Buffet and Catering
- Rising Force (3–5 Employees): Plant Bae
- Tech Business of the Year: XiRepair
- Thriving Venture (6–25 Employees): Goodwyn Building Company
- Young Professional-Led Business of the Year: A Rai of Sunshine
A Celebration Beyond Awards
The Awards Ceremony seamlessly transitioned into the 2nd Annual Sips at Sunset Small Business Reception, a ticketed celebration that featured live music, signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast. Guests described the atmosphere as “inspiring,” “electric,” and “a true milestone for Montgomery’s entrepreneurial community.”
In addition to honoring award winners, the City awarded six Storefront Improvement Grants of $15,000 each, fueling revitalization efforts and reinforcing Montgomery’s dedication to small business growth in its neighborhoods.
Montgomery’s Momentum
The MGM Small Business Awards underscored a central truth: small businesses are the heartbeat of Montgomery’s economy. Through initiatives like Access Montgomery and SBOSS, the City is delivering coaching, capital, and connections to help businesses scale.
The evening proved to be more than recognition—it was a signal of momentum, proof that Montgomery is making good on its promise to create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can turn dreams into reality.
About Access Montgomery & SBOSS
Access Montgomery and the Small Business One-Stop Shop (SBOSS) are flagship initiatives of the City of Montgomery designed to streamline resources, expand access to capital, and empower entrepreneurs. Together, they are transforming Montgomery into a hub where small businesses succeed and communities prosper.
