They are the backbone of the nation's economy and make up 99.6% of Ohio's businesses according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Small business also makes up 84% of the membership of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce. Monday, the Chamber announced the finalists for their 17th annual Gala Awards where they recognize area small businesses in several different categories. There were a number of new businesses that were nominated this year reflecting the growing business base in the area.
"That just tells you about the quality of businesses that we have in our community and how their growing and how their expanding, how their making a difference here and that's why we also focus on buy local because you only supporting them which supports our community," explained Jed Metzger, President and CEO of Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce.
The finalists in the Small Business of the Year Award is UltraSound Special Events, Hoffman Analytic Services Inc., and Barry Electronics.
Finalists for the Woman Owned Business of the Year are Beauty By Jill and Sara's Sweets.
For the Emerging Business of the Year is EZ-Concrete Supply LLC., Coffe Amor, and Fat Kid BBQ.
The Non-Profit of the Year finalists are Ohio Means Jobs, West Ohio Community Action Partnership, and Family Promise of Lima/Allen County.
Finalists for the Young Leader of the Year are Camri Nelson of your Hometown Stations, Jeremy Martinez of the Veteran's Memorial Civic and Convention Center, and Amanda Garlock of Spherion of Lima.
And your finalists for the Athena Award are Beth Seibert and Shannon Tyler.
The awards gala will be Wednesday, May 1, 2019, where the winners will be announced.
