Small Business United Blog

Love A Local Business Winners

by Gretchen Harding - August 30, 2009

Updated November 3, 2009

Through our Love A Local Business competition, Intuit has awarded over $60,000 in grants to businesses that were nominated by their fans: customers, friends, family members, employees and owners. 

In October, we changed the rules slightly.  Small business blogger, Becky McCray, served as our judge. She reviewed the nominations of the five randomly selected winners, then selected the one whose comment best depicted a loved business to have their grant increased from $1,000 to $5,000.

This month’s grand prize winner is a non-profit, independent school that was founded twenty years ago by a committee of interested parents and friends.  What started as a preschool has since expanded to include primary education.

Casa Di Mir Montessori School in Campbell, CA
“This is a committed group of educators who truly make a differnce in the lives of their students, the families and the community.  Their staff is always happy!!  They work every day to improve their processes in every area of the business.”
Elissa

Four other businesses were selected to receive $1000 small business grants:

Bailey Bea Designs in Austin, TX, sells, stationery and gifts, including unique aprons for adults and kids that are made with sustainable/recycled, high-end decorator fabrics.
“Wonderful personalized gifts and unique items that I’ve been unable to find other places!
KHF

Salvatore’s Restaurant in Independence, MO serves up Italian food that might not taste (or smell) quite as good if owner Salvatore “Sam” Garrozzo had named it “Sam’s” when he bought the family business from his uncle.
“We love italian food. This business is within 1/2 block upwind of us. We sometimes go out to the deck to sit and smell the aromas from their kitchen.”
Max Ransom

Ink Art is a not-so-mainstream Main Street business in Borger, TX.  It seems luck was in play for this tattoo parlor owner who won with a single nomination posted about an hour before the Oct. 31 deadline on Halloween night.
“Ink Art is striving to offer quality service to customers. We really care about our customers. This is a family-owned and operated business. So we try to make everyone as comfortable as possible.”
mcdavis

Game Night in St. Louis, MO, specialize in family strategy and board games and also hosts weekly events, including D&D Tuesdays and Yu-Gi-Oh! Thursdays.
“Love this place!”
Serrensimo

Congratulations to all of the winners from this month.  If your favorite business did not win, nominate them again!  The next deadline for submissions is Nov. 30.

*Winners must comply with the Official Rules to receive the grants.

___________________________________________________________

Previous Winners:

Week 1 - July 27

Week 2 - August 3

Week 3 - August 10

Week 4 - August 17

Week 5 - August 24

Week 6 - August 30

Week 7 - September 8

Week 8 - September 15

Week 9 - September 22

Week 10 - September 29

Week 11 - October 6

If you liked reading this you may also enjoy:

1. Love A Local Business Week 2 Winners
2. Love A Local Business Week 6 Winners
3. Love A Local Business Week 3 Winners

1. Hasan Luongo says:

   September 10, 2009 at 4:14 pm

   I’m loving that you guys are keepin this up and recognizing all these amazing small businesses.
2. Kyle McHugh says:

   September 17, 2009 at 9:57 am

   Thank you so much Intuit for recognizing the plight small businesses all across this country are facing. Your returning support of us (many of whom, like me, are QuickBooks users!) is recognized and very appreciated.

   I’m honored to have such wonderful customers that helped us win this week. Thank you all!!
3. Jason E. Sutherland says:

   October 8, 2009 at 6:12 pm

   We at Peninsula Shops are so excited to have such great results and impact on our local community. Thank you for recognizing what we all share, our local livelihood.

   Happily,
   Jason E. Sutherland
   Owner / Founder

   Peninsula Shops
   Enjoy. Local. Livelihood.

   http://www.peninsulashops.com
   650-550-9880

   http://www.twitter.com/peninsulashops
   http://www.facebook.com/peninsulashops
4. Dan Maslach says:

   November 2, 2009 at 6:50 am

   I’m so glad Intuit is recognizing all the hard working small businesses out there! Thank you to all of our customers and fans this year! But it’s not over yet, our “Living Lettuce” is coming in now and will be in stores soon!
   Thank you!
   Dan Maslach
   Vertical Paradise Farms LLC
   http://www.vpfarms.com
   http://www.verticalgardenkit.com
5. Amie says:

   November 3, 2009 at 7:01 pm

   I still can’t get over the fact that Intuit is recognizing small business like Four Sisters Beauty Supply in Lawrenceville, NJ. It has been so hard staying afloat as a brand new business but your recognition has given us much needed encouragement. Thank you!
6. Robin Powell at IMAGE FITNESS in Anderson SC says:

   November 15, 2009 at 7:36 pm

   I am in the running for the upcoming grant. It is somewhat overwhelming to read the nice things people have to say about you. It’s awesome. I am living off about 250.00 right now and hoping to open next week. This would be a blessing from heaven. Thanks for the consideration and thanks for the chance to win this money to give something to my community that is much needed.

   ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Robin Powell
   IMAGE FITNESS, Anderson SC 29625
   864-634-1599