CommunityWorks hosted its first Empowering Entrepreneurship Small Business Awards on Thursday, May 8th, 2025. Over 100 guests gathered at City Club of Greenville to celebrate small businesses and community champions, where they enjoyed a reception followed by the program and awards presentation. 

Media entrepreneur, actor, and award-winning filmmaker, Brittney Brackett, served as the emcee. The event was sponsored by four companies and three local businesses received awards. The awards were selected by an expert panel of local business leaders and past award winners. The awards that were given and award winners are as follows: 

The Emerging Small Business Award, sponsored by First Citizens Bank, celebrates a rising small business that has demonstrated innovation, resilience, and strong potential for long-term success. The Maxton Event Center LLC, CAIRS Shoes, Dr. Walt’s Company, RunVirt, and Little Tomato / Indigo Custom Framing & Artisan Market were nominated for this award. The Emerging Small Business Award was presented to LaShonn Edumnds, owner of CAIRS shoes.  

The Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas, honors an established small business that continues to thrive, lead, and contribute to the local economy. HealthCore Medical, Cultivating Minds, Boyd Cycling, and Forever Yung Day Spa were nominated for this award. The Emerging Small Business Award was presented to Jessica Eason, owner of Forever Yung Day Spa. 

The Community Champion Award, sponsored by Count On Us Controller Services, honors a business, nonprofit, or organization that has gone above and beyond to uplift the community through advocacy and service. Oak and Ave Property, Greater Good Greenville, Custom Donations, and Upstate Warrior Solution were nominated for this award. Oak and Ave Property Group was awarded the Community Champion Award.  

Empowering Entrepreneurship would not be possible without the help of generous sponsors. Each sponsor generously contributed to support small businesses throughout the Upstate and make the event a success. The sponsors for this year’s event are as follows: 

Presenting sponsor: Pinnacle Bank 

Award Sponsors: Count on Us Controllers, Piedmont Natural Gas, and First Citizens Bank