Celebrating Success: SCORE Greater Seattle 2024 Gala

Honoring Outstanding Achievements

Gleams of sunlight poured into the Museum of Flight on the evening of May 1st; the sun was setting just in time to announce the award winners for the Washington State Small Business Awards Gala, hosted by SCORE Greater Seattle. Helping entrepreneurs since 1964, SBA partner SCORE, held its annual gala- a night full of excitement and recognition.

This gala honors entrepreneurs and small businesses who have shown exceptional determination, creativity, and resilience while pursuing their dreams. Honoring sponsors and award winners alike, the night was full of inspirational stories and the unwavering support that helped them succeed.  

Empowering Women in Business: Do Big Good, LLC 

Working with the WBC, a program hosted by Business Impact NW, Mer Joyce was nominated by coach Jessica Conaway. Mer Joyce, owner of Do Big Good, LLC, was awarded the Women’s Business Center Client of the Year. Do Big Good, LLC, a consulting firm, helps private, public, and social sector clients make critical decisions, focusing on human-centric co-design methods.

When Mer Joyce found the WBC through a google search, she remembers, “I was just amazed; not only were business coaches offered, but it was specifically for entrepreneurs, and also free”. Mer adds, “Jessica is someone who has really seen the authentic version of me as an entrepreneur. She watched me succeed, struggle, and achieve amazing wins.” 

“Knowing that my coach really knows me and that she nominated me, was just really validating, and feels like they value what I’m doing as a woman entrepreneur.” 

Celebrating Veteran-Owned Businesses: Nathanael Engen, Owner of Black Forest Mushrooms

Winning the VBOC Client of the year, Chris Armstrong-Goings, presented Nathanael Engen, owner of Black Forest Mushrooms, with his award. The VBOC is a program hosted by Business Impact NW, covering the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Veteran, Nathanael Engen states,

“I started this business, not because of mushrooms, but because I wanted to cultivate a healthier community”.

Black Forest Mushrooms, a storefront and indoor farm, that yields up to 20,000 lbs of gourmet mushrooms each month, focuses on high quality, sustainability, and food security. Offering products like gourmet mushrooms, books, and mushroom jerky in its store front, this Veteran-owned business is incredibly grateful for the assistance from VBOC and winning the VBOC Client of the Year award. 

“The mentorship that I have been able to receive and be able to pick up the phone whenever I faced challenges- that mentorship, I believe, has allowed me to become a better leader and better entrepreneur”.  

Championing Impact 

Beto Yarce, SBA PNW Regional Administrator, was proud to present the inaugural Thrive Award. He started his speech by saying, “I’m super thrilled to celebrate this night, because it is National Small Business Week, so let’s give a round of applause to all our small businesses”. As he continued his speech, Beto honored partners, lenders, and small businesses alike.

The Thrive Award is for the US Small Business Administration’s recognition of the outstanding Thrive cohort. Beto states,

“Thrive stands for Train, Hope, Race, Innovate, Venture, and Elevate. This high-impact program is administered by the SBA Office of Entrepreneurial Development supported by trainers in 48 districts offices with 67 cohorts around the country.”

Desiree Albrecht, Thrive Coach, presented this inaugural award. The 2024 Seattle Thrive Cohort included 24 individuals with a 100% graduation rate. 

Next, the SBA Lender of the Year Award was awarded. Presented by Nejla Gaylen, Key Bank, a key sponsor and stakeholder, accepted the award. “Key Bank, lending out over $49 Million this year, accepts the SBA Lending Award on behalf of Nejla Gaylen”. Emcee and actor Andrew McMasters expressed his emotion, saying “$49 million dollars?! Give them a round of applause.” Andrew went on to state, “Key Bank is an integral part of small business success!” 

A Testament To Small Business Support: SCORE Washington’s Influence 

SCORE Washington’s impact on the entrepreneurial landscape has been nothing less than impressive. In 2023, SCORE Washington, assisted over 3,000 clients to pursue their goals. They helped clients launch over 900 new businesses. SCORE, a nationwide organization of over 10,000 volunteers provides free mentoring and education to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Washington Small Business Awards Gala recognized this dedication, which was a testament to the support of the small business community. SCORE is proud to offer free workshops and mentoring for all of Washington’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.  

Complete List of Award Winners:  

• SCORE Client of the Year- CocinaMX32 Catering 
• SCORE Women’s Pitch Contest: First Step Pediatric Therapy & Umanos 
• SBDC Star Client of the Year- American Abatement & Demo 
• WBC Client of the Year- Do Big Good LLC 
• VBOC Client of the Year- Black Forest Mushrooms 
• National SBA THRIVE- Cohort of the Year- Seattle 
• SBA Lender of the Year- Key Bank 
• SBA Seattle Cup Award- Washington- Small Business Development Center 
• SBA Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Champion- ECCO 
• SBA Rural Business of the Year- Good Bagels Cafe 
• SBA Exporter of the Year- Morgan Cosmetics 
• SBA WA Small Business Person of the Year- Heather McDowell- Seattle Green Earth Cleaning 
• SBA AK Small Business Person of the Year- Kali Bennet- The Waterworks 

 

For more information on how to connect with the VBOC, click here. 

If you are a woman-owned business or interested in starting your business, click here.  

For more information regarding SCORE, please visit here.  

 

In Loving Memory of Roland Chaiton

As part of this year’s Gala, our CEO Joe Sky-Tucker gave a heartfelt speech, in honor of our dear friend and coworker, Roland Chaiton. Joe states, “We lost him just recently to colon cancer. He worked for us for 21 years, knew many, many people here, and I want to thank Tom and SCORE for giving us a moment to honor his memory. He knew everyone here tonight, and was an oracle for us and this organization.” Joe goes on to say, “I learned everything I know about lending from Roland.” He continues, ” I want to take a moment and honor his legacy, the millions of dollars he helped get out into the community, and the clients he helped.”