From left, Snellville Economic Development Director Eric Van Otteren and Josh Sweeney of GarageWorx at the Gwinnett Chamber's 2018 Pinnacle Small Business Awards luncheon and ceremony Tuesday.SNELLVILLE – The city's own GarageWorx was named Small Business Resource Champion of the Year at the Gwinnett Chamber's 2018 Pinnacle Small Business Awards luncheon and ceremony Tuesday.
"Finalists of the Gwinnett Chamber Pinnacle Awards are organizations whose contributions go above and beyond the call of their own professional duties to ensure the small business community thrives," said Economic Development Manager Eric Van Otteren. "City leadership and the Downtown Development Authority of Snellville have long supported and encouraged opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive. This is recognition that GarageWorx is a vital asset to Snellville's business community and confirmation of a successful partnership."
GarageWorx, located on Clower Street, is a business incubator and education partner for suburban entrepreneurs and small business owners. Its mission is to improve the lives of people, families and communities through suburban entrepreneurship. The city has partnered with the innovative business since the fall of 2016, offering space to local small business start-ups at GarageWorx.
Josh Sweeney is the guiding force behind GarageWorx and enjoys finding new and innovative ways to help businesses build amazing company cultures.
The city hopes to grow its partnership with GarageWorx as it rolls out its new Towne Center library and market development next year.
Winton Machine Company was awarded both the 2018 Pinnacle Overall Gwinnett Small Business of the Year Award and the Small Business of the Year: 25+ Employees.
"We are honored to celebrate and recognize the region's top small businesses and individuals that contribute greatly to our local economy," said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president and CEO of Gwinnett Chamber. "These businesses, led by risk-takers and visionaries, are essential to creating jobs and sustaining economic growth."