Sarasota Business Awards 2026
2026 SARASOTA BUSINESS AWARDS
Presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group
Friday, June 26th, 2026 | 11:00am - 1:15pm | The Ora
Made possible by the Frank G. Berlin Sr. Foundation through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Honoring Excellence. Celebrating Success.
For over 15 years, the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Sarasota Business Awards have recognized the businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits that drive Sarasota’s economy forward. This prestigious event celebrates the innovation, impact, and resilience of our local business community.
Join us as we honor the outstanding finalists and winners across ten award categories, highlighting companies that exemplify leadership, community engagement, and business excellence. With a sold-out crowd year after year, this is Sarasota’s premier event for recognizing small business success.
2026 AWARD APPLICATIONS
Applications for the 2026 Sarasota Business Awards closed on Friday, March 27th at 11:59 PM. We look forward to celebrating the leaders and organizations driving Sarasota’s economy forward and recognizing achievements that inspire others, foster strong workplace culture, and make a lasting difference in our community.
To meet all of last year's finalists in each, click here!
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Recognizing a thriving business with 1-25 employees that has achieved outstanding growth, demonstrated a deep understanding of its market, and built a strong foundation for lasting success.
Presented by:
MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Recognizing a thriving business with 25-150 employees that has achieved outstanding growth, demonstrated a deep understanding of its market, and built a strong foundation for lasting success.
Presented by:
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Recognizing a thriving business with 150+ employees that has achieved outstanding growth, demonstrated a deep understanding of its market, and built a strong foundation for lasting success.
Presented by:
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Recognizing a business within the region that embodies an overall spirit of giving through contributions of time, leadership and resources in support of local non-profits.
Presented by:
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes an active and operating not-for-profit organization registered in the State of Florida for at least three (3) years; and have demonstrated innovations programs and contributions to the local community.
Presented by:
BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
Celebrating a business that overcame odds to achieve measurable success and inspire others.
Presented by:
RISING STAR
Honoring exceptional new businesses in their first three years, this award recognizes those that have surpassed growth expectations, demonstrated market expertise, and built a strong foundation for long-term success.
Presented by:
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the leadership, innovation, and success of women entrepreneurs, this award honors a woman-owned business that has made a significant impact in its industry and community while achieving outstanding growth.
Presented by:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
Recognizing a company that sets the standard for workplace excellence, this award honors businesses that prioritize employee well-being, foster professional growth, and create an environment where top talent chooses to thrive.
Presented by:
HOSPITALITY BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
Honoring a business that exemplifies excellence in hospitality, this award recognizes those that create exceptional guest experiences, demonstrate industry leadership, and contribute to Sarasota’s vibrant tourism and service sector.
Presented by:
Check out last year's Sarasota Business Awards Ceremony!
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2020 - Four Winds Network Services
2021- Team Tony Cancer Foundation
2022- Trade Mark Interiors
2023 - One Stop Housing, LLC
2024 - Express Employment Professionals
2025 - Fawley Bryant Architecture
MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2020 - Tri County Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
2021- JMX Brands
2022 - J2 Solutions, Inc.
2023 - Florida Elevator, Inc.
2024 - Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC
2025 - Swor Women's Care, LLC
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2020 - Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
2021- MUV
2022 - PGT Innovations
2023 - First Watch Restaurants, Inc
2024 - Roofing By Curry
2025 - Sarasota Ford
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
2020 - Gecko's Grill and Pub
2021- The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
2022 - Lightspeed Voice
2023 - Rise & Nye's
2024 - Catalist Realty LLC
2025 - The Bay
RISING STAR AWARD
2020 - Atlas Networks
2021- Gulfside Bank
2022 - Dapper Bowtique, LLC
2023 - Town Square - Sarasota
2024 - Onplace
2025 - ActivAge Sarasota
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION AWARD
2020- PGT Innovations
2021- Air Products
2022 - Goodwill Industries Manasota, Inc.
2023 - PGT Innovations
2024 - FleetForce Truck Driver Training
2025 - Chris-Craft Corporation
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2021- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
2022 - Grapevine Communications
2023 - Stage Door Studios, Inc
2024 - Fly Dance Fitness
2025 - Discover Sarasota Tours
BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2022 - Around the Way Transportation
2023 - Herrera Psychology
2024 - Aginto | A Digital Agency
2025 - Castle Concierge
HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2017 - Mixon Fruit Farms
2018 - TableSeide Restaurant Group
2019 - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
2024 - Gecko's Hospitality Group & Michael's On Easy Restaurant & Catering
2025 - Oysters Rock Hospitality
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
2010 - BBBS of the Suncoast
2011 - Gulf Coast Community Foundation
2012 - Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
2013 - Center for Building Hope
2014 - Goodwill Industries - Manasota, Inc.
2015 - Child Protection Center
2016 - Cat Depot
2017 - SunCoast Blood Bank
2018 - Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Inc.
2019 - Forty Carrots Family Center
2020 - SunCoast Blood Bank
2021- All Faiths Food Bank
2022 - Children First
2023 - Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc
2024 - Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County
2025 - Operation Warrior Resolution
PRODUCTS & SERVICES BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2017 - Coast to Coast Pools
2018 - Sarasota Trophy & Awards Inc.
2019 - Music Compound
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2017 - Caldwell Trust Company
2018 - Tandem Construction
2019 - Cumberland Advisors
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2012 - Key Sailing
2013 - Charity & Weiss International Reality, Inc.
2014 - ShelterBox USA
2015 - Contract Furnishings International
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR
2014 - Neuro Challenge Foundation
2015 - Suncoast Blood Bank
2016 - Team Tony Cancer Foundation
2017 - Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota
2018 - Canada Med Services/Discount Prescription Services
RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2014 - L Boutique and L Spa
2015 - Sunglass Express
2016 - Woman’s Exchange, Inc.
2017 - DutchCrafters
2018 - Rugs as Art, Inc.
2019 - Unlimited Comfort Mattress Factory
CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
OF THE YEAR
2010 - Sarasota Orchestra
2011 - The Players Centre for Performing Arts
2012 - Circus Sarasota, Inc.
2013 - Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
2014 - Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.
2015 - Florida Studio Theatre
2016 - The Circus Arts Conservatory
YOUNG BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2010 - International Construction Consultants, LLC
2011 - Polo Grill & Bar/Fete Catering
2012 - Gateway Bank of Southwest FL
2013 - Cutting Loose Salon
WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
2010 - Janet Hamel Solomon
2011 - Marjorie Broughton
2012 - Wendy Ellis
2013 - Dulcy Kushmore
THINK GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2010 - Willis Smith Construction
2011 - MyGreenBuildings, LLC
OVERALL SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
2011 - 1st Choice Industries
2012 - Critical Care and Veterinary Specialist of Sarasota
2013 - SouthTech
2014 - Gateway Bank of SWFL & *CS&L CPAs
2015 - Sir Speedy & *Anna Maria Oyster Bar
2016 - Gorilla Kleen
2017 - Caldwell Trust Company
2018 - Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Inc.
2019 - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
*Denotes 50-100 Employees Award Winners