The Tampa Bay Chamber highlighted the region’s entrepreneurial excellence at its 45th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards. The event, held Nov. 6, brought together more than 400 business leaders to celebrate the small companies driving the local economy.
The Chamber’s Small Business Awards are among the longest-standing business traditions in Tampa Bay. The program showcases not only economic growth but also the human stories behind it, including founders, innovators and community builders who continue to shape the region’s business landscape.
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The 2025 ceremony reflected the strength of Tampa Bay’s small business community and recognized the companies and leaders setting the standard for growth, resilience and impact.
What happened
The Tampa Bay Chamber named its 2025 Small Business of the Year winners during a sold-out ceremony in Tampa.
This year’s honorees included:
- Harbour Business Law — Startup Business of the Year
- Digital Neighbor — Small Business of the Year (5–20 Employees)
- Yo Mama’s Foods — Small Business of the Year (21–50 Employees)
- Gigglewaters — Small Business of the Year (51–250 Employees)
In addition, Amy Martinez-Monfort, founder and CEO of Tampa Laundry Company, received the Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year award. A graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law, Martinez-Monfort has guided her company from startup recognition to established success.
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“The Small Business of the Year Awards represent an extraordinary commitment from both our nominees and our volunteers,” said Kristin Johnson, chair of the 2025 awards committee. “Each year, our committee dedicates months to an in-depth evaluation process that highlights the strength, integrity and community impact of Tampa Bay’s small businesses.”
“Small businesses are the heart of Tampa Bay’s economy,” said Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber. “For more than four decades, this program has celebrated the innovators and leaders who have built a thriving regional economy.”
What’s happening next
The Chamber’s recognition highlights the region’s most accomplished small businesses and reinforces Tampa Bay’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
Following the event, award recipients join a network of past winners who collaborate with the Chamber on mentorship, advocacy and regional development initiatives.
Applications for the 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards will open in early spring.
What this means for Tampa Bay
The awards highlight the critical role small businesses play in sustaining the region’s economic vitality. Each winner reflects the qualities that define Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurial community including creativity, adaptability and a commitment to local impact.
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The honorees represent a cross-section of industries from legal services to consumer goods, demonstrating the diversity and dynamism of the small business sector. Their success stories show how purpose-driven leadership and community connections can create long-term growth.
Next steps for local businesses
Small business owners seeking to follow in this year’s winners’ footsteps can:
- Engage with the Chamber: Explore mentorship and development opportunities through the Small Business of the Year program.
- Build local partnerships: Strengthen connections with other Tampa Bay companies to increase visibility and collaboration.
- Prioritize purpose and service: Each honoree demonstrates how community engagement builds brand trust and sustainable success.
More resources and application details are available at tampabaychamber.com/smallbusiness.
Takeaway
The 45th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards reaffirm Tampa Bay’s position as a thriving center for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Each honoree embodies the resilience and character that define the region’s business community, a reminder that small enterprises continue to power the area’s economic growth and collective success.
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