Holcomb Honors Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs
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The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is recognizing eight Hoosier small businesses as a part of Small Business Week in Indiana. The IEDC says the awards honor the entrepreneurs’ and small businesses’ achievements and contributions to grow Indiana’s economy and strengthen communities across the state.
The companies have worked with the Indiana Small Business Development Center to start, grow or pivot their small businesses.
“This week, we recognize all the small businesses driving our state’s economy forward,” said Holcomb. “Indiana is laser-focused on fostering a healthy ecosystem for small businesses, startups and businesses looking to expand their footprint. It is the entrepreneurial drive, determination and grit that has become woven into the Hoosier sprit and vital to the great quality of life we enjoy in Indiana.”
The 2022 honorees are listed below:
Community Impact Small Business of the Year: 3 Sisters Investments (Terre Haute) – The real estate investment company, which was founded in 2019 by Mark and Tiffany Baker, creates community and family spaces.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Kristi and Kelsie Risk (Spencer) – Mother and daughter Kristi and Kelsie Risk founded Diamond K Sweets & More LLC, a confectionery manufacturer of gourmet chocolate and candy products.
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: AMERI-CAN Engineering (Argos) – Founded in 1988, AMERI-CAN Engineering is a third-generation, family-owned business that manufactures specialty sanitation trailers.
Innovative Small Business of the Year: NanoBio Designs LLC (Indianapolis) – Founded in 2017, NanoBio Designs LLC is a biotechnology company that develops a genetic detection platform using its microparticle pairing technology.
Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: ROCKaBLOCK LLC (Merrillville) – Founded by artist Rockland Page in 2017, ROCKaBLOCK LLC is a lifestyle brand that designs apparel and accessories.
Rural Small Business of the Year: Beneker Family Farms (Brookville) – Founded in 1884, Beneker Family Farms is a family-owned and operated farm that offers angus beef raised in Whitewater Valley Farm.
Start-Up of the Year: FIA Technologies Inc. (Indianapolis) – Founded in April 2021 by Isaiah “Izzy” Branam, Krishna Thiru and Emma Hamilton, Fia Technologies Inc. is a talent acquisition software provider that uses machine learning to bring together jobseekers and employers. The founders participated in the 2020 regional and state Innovate WithIN pitch competition, as well as the Origin Program and Nexus Pitch Competition through Elevate Ventures.
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Sea Salt & Cinnamon (Muncie) – Sea Salt & Cinnamon became the first vegan food company in Muncie when Amanda Reninger founded it in 2014.
Click here to view last year’s honorees.