BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Partnership of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) today announced the winners of the 2025 Alabama Small Business Awards.
The awards ceremony occurred during The Partnership’s annual meeting at The Club in Birmingham, where 40 small businesses were celebrated for their impact throughout the state and local communities.
The event highlighted the vital role small businesses play in Alabama’s economy, representing 99.4% of all businesses in the state. As of 2025, Alabama is home to more than 465,600 small businesses, which employ nearly half of the state’s workforce at 46%.
“These small businesses don’t just operate in Alabama, they choose Alabama,” said BCA President and CEO Helena Duncan. “They plant their roots here, raise their families here, and build their dreams here—and that choice helps drive Alabama forward. While BCA supports businesses of every size, we are proud to recognize those small businesses that are at the heart of our state’s economic and community strength,” Duncan continued. “Their innovation, grit, and commitment to their communities help shape the very identity of our state.”
Local chambers of commerce across the state submitted nominations for the Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards. The finalists were evaluated by a panel of out-of-state judges based on each business’s community involvement, chamber participation, business success, and overall deservingness.
“Small businesses are not just part of Alabama’s economy — they are its foundation,” said Paige Hutto, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. “They create jobs, they invest in people, and they build the character of local communities. It is our privilege to celebrate these businesses and to thank them for the vital role they play in building a stronger, more vibrant Alabama.”
This year’s awards featured four categories: Emerging Small Business (in operation less than five years), 1-10 Employees, 11-50 Employees, and 51-100 Employees. Each category had a bronze, silver, and gold winner.
The winners in each category are as follows:
Emerging Small Business of the Year: Cloud 9 Aviation
Cloud 9 Aviation, led by Paul and Elisabeth Gardner, has quickly soared to success by transforming Prattville’s local airport into a thriving hub of community and connection. In just four years, they’ve combined excellence in aviation with generosity—raising over $30,000 for local charities and hosting events that bring families together year-round. Their passion, service, and community spirit truly make Cloud 9 Aviation a beacon of excellence for what it takes to help a small business—and a city—take flight.
Silver Emerging Small Business of the Year: The Flats
Bronze Emerging Small Business of the Year: Captain’s Club Lake Tuscaloosa
Small Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): Gllam Boutique
Gllam Boutique, owned by mother-daughter duo Leila and Sam Allen, embodies the spirit of resilience, family, and community that defines small business excellence. Through their dedication, creativity, and deep commitment to Gardendale, they have built more than a boutique — they’ve created a gathering place that uplifts people and strengthens local connections. Their leadership, generosity, and vision make Gllam Boutique a shining example of what it means to serve both business and community with heart.
Silver Small Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): All Things Madison
Bronze Small Business of the Year (1-10 Employees): Judd Edwards Agency – State Farm
Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Ted’s Floors & Beyond
Ted’s Floors & Beyond, managed by Kathy Gregerson, has built more than a successful flooring business—they’ve built a legacy of service, leadership, and innovation. From humble beginnings in 1997 to a thriving company of over 20 employees and national recognition for excellence, Ted’s continues to set the standard for both business growth and community impact. Their unwavering generosity, integrity, and commitment to lifting others make Ted’s Floors & Beyond a model of small business success in Alabama.
Silver Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors
Bronze Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees): Woody Anderson of Madison
Small Business of the Year (51-100 Employees): Valle Grande Mexican Grill
Valle Grande Mexican Grill owners Sergio and Monica Sanchez have built more than a thriving restaurant—they’ve built a community. Through generosity, hard work, and heart, they’ve transformed towns across Chilton County, revitalized historic spaces, and touched thousands of lives through acts of kindness and service. Their dedication to uplifting others, feeding those in need, and inspiring hope makes Valle Grande Mexican Grill a true testament of what Alabama small business is all about.
Silver Small Business of the Year (51-100 Employees): VectorPly
Bronze Small Business of the Year (51-100 Employees): HomTex
The 2025 Alabama Small Business of the Year Award finalists in alphabetical order are below:
302 West
All Things Madison
BMSS Advisors & CPAs
Captain’s Club Lake Tuscaloosa
Cepeda
Cloud 9 Aviation
Culpepper Electric Company
Dale County Diesel
Eagle Consulting
Emblem Credit Union
Exec Hub
First Bank of Alabama
Gllam Boutique
Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook
Guthrie’s Chicken
HomTex, Cullman
Judd Edwards Agency- DBA Judd Edwards State Farm
Katrina Porter Designs
M2C2 Solutions
Magnolia Real Estate Group
My Supply Hardware Store
North Jefferson Academy of Dance
Petite Play
Plaza Golf Cart Sales
PuroClean Restoration Services
Revolutionary Pest Control
Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors
Rita Broome: Allstate Insurance
SAGA Construction
Southern Heating & Cooling
Spiller Furniture & Mattress
Stinson Breads
Stone Martin Builders
Ted’s Floors & Beyond
The Flats
The Sanctuary on 25th
Valle Grande Mexican Grill
VectorPly
Victory Cheer & Tumble
Woody Anderson of Madison
Congratulations to all finalists and award winners. You represent the very best of Alabama’s business community, and we thank you for the incredible work you do each and every day to move our state forward.