2013 Small Indie Business Grant Award Winners Announced
Local Southern California Businesses, Babycakes Baking Company, Harmony Works & Kate Lester Interiors Named Winners of 2013 Small Indie Business Grant Awards
Redondo Beach, California (October 1, 2013) —– Celebrating the small independent businesses of the South Bay, ShopLocal.us today announced that BabyCakes Baking Company, Harmony Works and Kate Lester Interiors are the winners of the 2013 Small Indie Business Grant prizes.
Inspired by the impact that independent businesses have on the local economy and their local communities, the Small Indie Business Grant program was formed by ShopLocal.us to recognize and help small business owners in the South Bay of Los Angeles grow or maintain their business.
Winners receive a grant award amount of $1,000 for first place, $500 to the second runner up, and $250 to the third runner up. Each winner will be honored at an award ceremony held at each of their business locations in the coming weeks.
Noting that consumer spending has fluctuated and often slowed down this year, ShopLocal.us founder, Heidi Butzine said it was fitting to establish a grant program to support local businesses and help them fund important business needs.
“We wanted to give a little boost to local businesses. Small indie businesses are an important part of sustaining the local economy and character of our communities,” said Butzine. “This grant program is our way of giving back and recognizing outstanding independent businesses in the South Bay. We’re looking forward to making the grant program available to local businesses again next year.”
The Winners
BabyCakes Baking Company has been in business for seven years and is owned by Khryste Langlais. Located in Torrance, BabyCakes specializes in creative cupcakes and other baked goods. Following its scratch-made small batch baking methods, BabyCakes prides itself on offering fresh quality cupcake specialties that appeal to adults, kids and those with gluten free or vegan dietary requirements.
Harmony Works is located in the Riviera Village in Redondo Beach. Started by owner Michael & Royce Morales nearly 20 years ago, Harmony Works offers one-of-a-kind handmade art, jewelry, books, gifts and home accessories that showcase new and local artists and crafts people. Committed to offering earth-friendly and soul-nurturing items for its customers, Harmony Works features highly curated products made from socially and environmentally responsible sources.
Kate Lester Interiors was started by owner and principal designer, Kate Lester, five years ago to offer full-service interior design services for clients. Based in Redondo Beach, Kate Lester Interiors specializes in custom home design and the design/build process. Having architectural and construction knowledge, Kate Lester Interiors works with all trades during the transformation of homes to achieve “liveable luxury” and comfort as a direct reflection of the client.
Grant Award Presentations
This year’s award winners were judged based on a number of factors including involvement in community or local collaborative efforts and efficacy in describing how funds would be applied towards the sustainability and growth of their business.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be independently owned or owned by employees, the community, or an area cooperative, located and operating in the South Bay of Los Angeles, continuously operating for at least three years, and have ten or fewer full-time employees. Entrants were also required to get a minimum number of online votes from customers, clients and fans to qualify.
Award presentations will be held for BabyCakes Baking Company on October 10 at 5:30 p.m. located at 24205 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance; Harmony Works on October 18 at 5 p.m. located at 1911 S Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach; and Kate Lester Interiors on October 17 at 5 p.m. located at 101 N Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 103 in Redondo Beach. They will receive a grant award, a one year certification as a Certified Locally Owned business, along with a listing at ShopLocal.us, and promotion through ShopLocal.us websites and social media.
About ShopLocal.us
ShopLocal.us provides a platform for raising consumer awareness, certifying locally owned businesses and promoting local business through advocacy and outreach. Not only does ShopLocal.us provide resources to support local community initiatives and small business development, the ShopLocal.us website and mobile app make it easier for consumers to find Certified Locally Owned and independent businesses across the U.S. Learn more at http://shoplocal.us and http://www.certifiedlocallyowned.com/.