Local business Teen Wise has been named a winner of the 2018 American Small Business Championship by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors.
The Championship awarded this title to 102 entrepreneurs for their dedication to the success of their small businesses, awarding them an all-expense-paid trip to a training and networking event, SCORE mentoring and publicity throughout the year, and a chance to win one of three $15,000 grand prizes, made possible with the support of Sam’s Club.
Teen Wiseearned the title of American Small Business Champion by submitting an online application describing what makes their business one of the best small businesses in their community, and how they plan to use the prizes to grow their business. Nominations thatgarnered at least 100 votes were then presented to a judging panel of small business experts that determined 102 winners, including Teen Wise.
Teen Wise offers private life coaching, workshops, online support and presentations for girls ages 8-18 and their parents, focusing on friendship issues, coping with stress and confidence. Owner Sheri Gazitt, a coach, mentor cheerleader and guide all wrapped up into one, has a passion to empower girls to discover their positive and powerful inner voice, and find what makes them happy, motivated and excited about life.
“SCORE congratulates and celebrates these 102 American Small Business Champions, who represent some of the best small businesses in America,” SCORE CEO Ken Yancey said. “We are proud to reward these passionate and hardworking entrepreneurs with business mentoring, publicity and additional networking and training opportunities, and we look forward to watching them utilize these tools to further grow their business success.”
“Supporting entrepreneurs has been a part of who we are for nearly 35 years,” said Tracey D. brown, senior vice president of operations and chief experience officer at Sam’s Club. “Many of our members own a small business and we appreciate having the opportunity to help them as they find creative solutions to problems they face on a day to day basis. The 102 winners celebrated through the American Small Business Championship are excellent examples of how innovation, persistence and knowing your customers can help an entrepreneur overcome obstacles and we congratulate them on their accomplishments.”
Teen Wiseisalso eligible to win one of three additional $15,000 grand prizes, by being named Grand Champion. A judging panel of small business experts will select three Grand Champion from the group of small business champions this summer. Selection will be based on how effectively Champions utilize their prizes to grow business revenue or operations, as well as how effectively the winners promoted the Championship in the media and social media.
To learn more about The American Small Business Championship and to view the complete list of Champions, visit www.championship.score.org.