As part of National Small Business Week, the 2025 Washington State Small Business Awards Gala took place on May 7 at the Museum of Flight. Recognized as the largest annual statewide celebration of entrepreneurs and small businesses, the event brought together leaders, supporters, and changemakers. The Greater Seattle Chapter of SCORE, a nonprofit powered by dedicated volunteers, hosted the evening. Attendees celebrated the vital role small businesses play in our communities through powerful stories, heartfelt recognition, and moments of connection. Business Impact NW joined the event as a proud Platinum Sponsor and helped honor this year’s inspiring winners. It was an evening filled with energy, emotion, and celebration—including a few tears, as small business owners shared their journeys of resilience and triumph.
National Small Business Week 2025, which runs May 4–10, amplifies the visibility of small businesses nationwide. The week includes awards, workshops, and networking events that showcase the innovation, job creation, and community strength driven by entrepreneurs. Together, the Gala and the week celebrate the bold spirit and relentless dedication that fuel small business success.
SCORE Greater Seattle, the Washington Women’s Business Center (WWBC), the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and the Seattle District of the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized multiple winners throughout the evening.
Championing Women in Business: Mattice Beauty Supply
Mattice Hoyt earned the 2025 WWBC Washington Client of the Year Award. A longtime Northwest resident, she founded Mattice Beauty Supply to make beauty products accessible to everyone. Her entrepreneurial journey came with life-changing challenges, which she faced and overcame with grit and determination. Her store serves as more than a retail space—it’s a creative hub, a gathering place for local makers, and a cornerstone for the community.
Beyond her business, Mattice contributes as a board member and actively participates in city initiatives. Her community relies on her leadership and presence.
“I attribute a part of why Mattice Beauty Supply is still being in business after Covid and Cancer to Business Impact NW. From grant opportunities, connections and the many classes and resources I’ve used, and some I didn’t even think I needed. It’s cool that I’m getting an award for just using services that are there to help me and my business.”
— Mattice Hoyt, Mattice Beauty Supply
Mattice accepted her award with humor, confidence, and authenticity. WWBC Director Jessica Vidican presented the award—marking a full-circle moment in their partnership.
Grace Kendall: Veteran, Leader, Business Owner
Grace Kendall, a U.S. Army veteran who served 24 years and retired as a First Sergeant, now leads FASTSIGNS of Olympia, with the same dedication she brought to the military. Honored with the NW Veteran’s Business Outreach Center Client of the Year award, she’s also been recognized through small business awards that highlight her impact and leadership. Grace brings a mission-driven mindset to entrepreneurship, grounded in purpose, discipline, and resilience—values forged during her years of service and now embedded in her business approach.
Since 2002, Grace has supported organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs and the Gateway Rotary Club, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to community impact.
“Grace Kendall exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose beyond the uniform. Her transition from First Sergeant to Chief Sign Officer reflects not only entrepreneurial excellence but a steadfast commitment to community leadership…”
— Dr. Christopher Armstrong-Goings, Business Impact NW VBOC Director
Under Grace’s leadership, FASTSIGNS has become a trusted provider of visual marketing solutions. The Lacey South Sound Chamber named the company Business of the Month. A proud team member accepted the 2025 Washington State Small Business Award on Grace’s behalf. Dr. Chris Armstrong-Goings, NW VBOC Director, presented the award.
Flavor Meets Purpose: Sgt. Hart’s BBQ Sauce
Makieda Hart, founder of Sgt. Hart’s BBQ Sauce, received the 2025 SBA Microenterprise of the Year Award at the Washington Small Business Awards Gala. Her business, which started with a cherished family recipe, now offers multiple flavors available online and in grocery stores.
Makieda credits much of her success to the support of Ericka Whitfield, WA Women’s Business Coach and Trainer. Ericka provided coaching, insight, and encouragement as the business grew.
“She’s not just doing this for herself. She’s going out into the community and doing all these different things to mentor people, to provide resources and workshops and that’s going above and beyond just having a small business. That’s where she’s looking out and really caring for people and wanting them to grow and develop and become more than what they are too.”
— Ericka Whitfield, Business Impact NW Business Coach and Trainer
Her entrepreneurial journey has long been recognized. She was also a finalist at the 2021 Impact Pitch competition, a testament to her drive, resilience, and commitment to growth.
Complete List of Award Winners
SCORE Pitch Contest Winner – Seattle Voice Lab
SCORE Small Business of the Year – The How Skills
SBDC Star Client of the Year and SBA Small Business of the Year – Circle Creek Therapy
Women’s Business Center Washington Client of the Year – Mattice Beauty Supply
NW Veteran’s Business Outreach Center Client of the Year – FASTSIGNS
Outstanding Lender of the Year – Umpqua Bank
Seattle Cup Award – Washington Small Business Development Center
Rural Small Business of the Year – Smugglers Cove Flagging
8(a) Graduate of the Year – RJS Construction
Microenterprise of the Year – Sgt. Hart’s Barbecue Sauce
Entrepreneurial Success – Yo Soy Unico Daycare
About the author
(Ay-pril Beng-co)
April serves as the Development Coordinator for Business Impact NW, leading fundraising initiatives, fostering strategic partnerships with sponsors, and orchestrating events supporting the organization’s mission. She focuses on cultivating a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and successfully meeting Business Impact NW’s annual development objectives. Drawing on her business development, marketing, and sales expertise, she has built valuable relationships with industry partners dedicated to driving Business Impact NW’s success.