Connecting changes everything, and that’s especially true when it comes to supporting the dreams of small business owners. Our annual AT&T Small Business Contest celebrates and brings together small business owners, who serve as the pillars of every community. Through this contest, we also connect them with resources and give them access to a larger platform, like She’s Connected by AT&T, to amplify their stories and impact.
We launched this year’s contest looking for entrepreneurs driving measurable change, innovating their craft, and lifting up their neighborhoods. We received a record-breaking number of applications—more than 11,000—far exceeding our expectations.
As I reviewed the applications with my fellow contest judges, Sarita Rao, Head of AT&T International Ecosystem Solutions; Kevin Peck, SVP, Marketing Strategy, Insights, Brand, & Design; and Val Vargas, SVP, Creative Content and Advertising, I was reminded of the power of connection for small business owners. The nominations told inspiring stories of innovative, dedicated, and resilient entrepreneurs from across the country.
It also made me proud to be part of a company that has helped businesses both big and small connect to what matters most for nearly 150 years. These finalists show what’s possible when people and ideas come together, unlocking even greater possibilities. I’m honored to share the top five finalists for the 2025 Small Business Contest:
- Bold Crumb House (Detroit, MI) – Bold Crumb House is a bakery and media brand blending handcrafted desserts with storytelling to uplift families and communities. Its business model unites food and inspiration, hosting major holiday pie sales while traveling to schools nationwide to lead literacy and confidence-building workshops that help children believe in their own magic.
- Nourish + Bloom Market (Fayetteville, GA) – Nourish + Bloom Market is the first 24/7 AI-powered grocery store in the U.S. It is also the first autonomous grocery store in the nation to accept EBT/SNAP benefits. The company gained national attention after its Shark Tank debut, showcasing how AI-powered retail can reimagine food accessibility.
- Sensori (Dallas, TX) – Sensori delivers a mood-boosting, non-alcoholic beverage infused with functional botanicals that support cognitive function and deliver a noticeable mood lift without the downsides of alcohol. They aren’t just building another beverage; they’re shaping a movement at the intersection of wellness, culture, and conscious socializing.
- SOJO Coffee Company (Los Angeles, CA) – SOJO Coffee Company is a specialty coffee brand. Its mission is to bridge cultures and empower farmers. SOJO Coffee is known for introducing the world’s first canned cold brew made with 100% Salvadoran beans and aims to empower farmers while celebrating Latin American coffee culture.
- The Blueprint University (Dallas, TX & Gadsden, AL) – The Blueprint University is an innovation hub and trade school for entrepreneurs. It’s redefining entrepreneurship as a trade, creating pathways for founders and students to enhance economic mobility, gain access to capital, and close the gap between small businesses and major corporations.
In January 2026, we’ll announce our grand prize winner. The finalists will receive $5,000 to invest in their business, while the winner will receive a grand total of $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and a featured content spotlight with one of our athletes through our She’s Connected by AT&T series. Winners will also gain the support of a growing community of over 20 athletes and entrepreneurs and access to tools, resources, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Congratulations to our finalists and to all small business owners who continue to connect, inspire, and lead the way forward. Stay tuned for the winner announcement in January.
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