The South Tampa Chamber honored businesses, nonprofits and professionals from across the Tampa Bay region during its annual Business of the Year Awards on Thursday, recognizing organizations and individuals for achievements in business growth, innovation, leadership and community impact.
The awards ceremony, held at The Westshore Grand during the Chamber’s centennial year, drew a record 96 nominations and applications. An independent panel of judges selected 38 finalists across 13 categories before naming this year’s recipients.
“The Business of the Year Awards recognize the organizations and individuals who are driving our economy, strengthening our community and helping make South Tampa the best place to live, work and play,” said Kelly Flannery, president and chief executive officer of the South Tampa Chamber. “During our 100th anniversary year, it is especially meaningful to celebrate the businesses and leaders whose commitment to excellence continues to shape our community’s future.”
The Chamber also presented its COMPASS Award to Feeding Tampa Bay in recognition of the organization’s leadership and impact across the region.
The 2026 award recipients included:
- Small Business of the Year: For the Bay Clothing Co.
- Medium Business of the Year: Florida Firearms Academy
- Large Business of the Year: Bubble Down Car Wash
- Franchise Business of the Year: Paul Davis Restoration of Tampa
- Solo Entrepreneur of the Year: The Food Whisperer
- Emerging Business of the Year: Cheeseology
- Innovation Award: TomCo Solutions
- Community Impact Award: Socially Funded
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Pia Esthetics and Day Spa
- Small Non-Profit of the Year: HeartDance Foundation
- Large Non-Profit of the Year: Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
- Young Professional of the Year: Shay Romine
- Business Leader of the Year: Jason Baker, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
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