Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Awards recognize top local businesses helping shape our growing economy. These companies create safe and sustainable spaces for their employees and clients to reach their highest potential, in business and life. Chattanooga Chamber recognizes the 2022 Small Business Awards recipients for all they do to make the Scenic City and Hamilton County home to some of the best jobs in Tennessee.
Non-Profit: Cempa Community Care
Nonprofit Small Business Award winner, Cempa Community Care, helps lead Chattanooga toward a healthier tomorrow. Its dedication to patient care was highly visible through the pandemic, administering nearly 13,000 COVID-19 tests and more than 250 vaccines — in predominantly underserved communities across Hamilton County.
“I am humbled that Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce recognized Cempa as Nonprofit Small Business of the Year, but I am even more thankful for our team’s incredible work on behalf of the communities we serve,” says Shannon Stephenson, CEO, Cempa Community Care. “When a crisis emerges, our team steps up to the challenge. When we encounter a barrier to health, we figure out away through together. Our incredible team is made of champions fighting for health and overall well-being in a place we love and call home.”
Since its inception in 1986, the nonprofit’s primary service of treating HIV patients has evolved to include helping more than 1,400 patients fight illness and disease. The nonprofit’s support, knowledge and resources encourage patients as they face uncertainties in their health journeys.
1-20 Employees: The Double Cola Company
This family-owned business strives to unite communities around the world, distributing colas across the United States and to 17 other countries. Double Cola offers a diverse line of beverages to ensure there is a drink for all in every situation.
Celebrating 100 years in Chattanooga this year, this company takes pride in giving back to the community through many outlets including quarterly volunteer days. Whether cleaning classrooms or restoring homes, Double Cola makes supporting the community a top priority.
Their hard work and heart for Chattanooga are only a few reasons why Double Cola receives the 1-20 Employees Small Business Award.
“To be named a Small Business of the Year, especially during our centennial celebration, is an incredible honor,” says Gina Dhanani, COO, Double Cola. “We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years, and we are grateful that we’ve been able to achieve so much as a member of the Chattanooga community. Though we’re spending much time during this momentous year celebrating Double Cola’s history, we are excited to continue innovating on behalf of our customers and doing everything we can to keep fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with this wonderful city.”
21-50 Employees: Market Street Partners
Market Street Partners help businesses big and small break down the numbers. Since its founding in 2016, this customer-centered CPA firm has offered tax, auditing and consulting services for seasoned entrepreneurs and startups alike. The firm now serves 1,200 clients with a dedicated team of 36 employees.
Market Street Partners’ services during the past two years helped many businesses navigate financial strains and uncertainty caused by COVID-19. This company prioritizes its clients, equipping them with confidence to make the best financial decision.
That’s why Market Street Partners receives the 21-50 Employees Small Business Award.
“When we founded Market Street Partners, we wanted to provide proactive financial services that supported our clients’ business goals. Throughout the years we’ve been honored to partner with leading companies across Chattanooga. At MSP we believe that on a team and business level, we benefit from each other’s success,” says Kyle Bryant, co-founder and partner, Market Street Partners.
51-300 Employees: Trident Transport
Freight and logistics company, Trident Transport, thrives thanks to customer loyalty. In fact, trust worthiness is one of this company’s core values. By providing personal account managers and round-the-clock service, the company ensures each product arrives safely with record speed.
Trident Transport prides itself on its reliability and exceptional insurance coverage — supporting clients throughout all logistics processes while prioritizing integrity in interactions.
Trident Transport’s diligent work wins them the 51-300 Employees Small Business Award.
The Small Business Awards highlight and commend businesses that enable growth throughout Chattanooga. Apart from our award recipients, we also want to recognize all our small business finalists for their hard work.
Thank you to our Nonprofit finalists, Children’s Advocacy Center and LAUNCH; 1-20 Employee finalists, Lanewood Studio and Chattanooga Floor Care; 21-50 Employee finalists, Text Request and Allied Eye; and 51-300 Employee finalists, 1885 Grill and Niedlov’s Bakery and Cafe.
