J. Gumbo’s Delaware has been chosen as a winner of The 2017 American Small Business Championship hosted by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, and generously supported by Sam’s Club, a leading U.S. membership club serving small businesses since 1983.
The Championship awarded this title to 102 entrepreneurs for their dedication to the success of their small businesses. The American Small Business Champions will each receive a $1,000 Sam’s Club gift card, an all-expense-paid trip to training and networking event, SCORE mentoring and publicity throughout the year.
“We are so grateful to receive this recognition for the obstacles we have overcome as a small business. Thank you to our wonderful community for supporting us and helping us succeed. This would not have been possible without you.” said Richard Upton, owner of J. Gumbo’s Delaware.
The business is located at 9 N. Sandusky St. The Delaware location is a locally-owned franchise that opened in 2012. J. Gumbo’s operates in 10 states.
J. Gumbo’s Delaware earned the title of American Small Business Champion by submitting an online application describing the most unique aspect of their small business that has contributed to their success, their positive impact on the community, and their plans to use the prizes to grow their business. Nominations which garnered at least 100 votes were then presented to a judging panel of small business experts that determined 102 winners.
“SCORE is very pleased to honor the hard work and accomplishments of these 102 small business owners. They come from all across the United States, and provide diverse products and services for their clients, but all share in their dedication to making their dreams a reality,” said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey in a news release.
“At Sam’s Club, we proudly support and celebrate the unique experience of the small business owner,” said Tracey D. Brown, senior vice president of operations and chief experience officer at Sam’s Club.
J. Gumbo’s Delaware is also eligible to win one of three additional $25,000 grand prizes by being named Grand Champion. A judging panel of small business experts will select three Grand Champions from the group of Small Business Champions this summer. Selection is based on how effectively Champions utilize the Sam’s Club gift card and the SCORE regional training events to grow business revenue, as well as how effectively the winners promoted the Championship in both media and social media.
