The annual Small Business Week kicked off with the Small Business Bash at Boot Barn Hall, where the winners of the Small Business Week Awards were announced. The first award went to Von Kessel & Partners of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs, which was opened in March 2022 by three retired Air Force Academy colonels. The second award went to Behr and Behr of the Platinum Group Realtors, a family-owned business. Lastly, Jackie Lujan was recognized as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for her work at The Lighthouse Early Care and Education.
The Small Business Person of the Year award was given to Sevan Stryker, the general manager of Bob Penkhus Motor Co. This year’s theme for Small Business Week is “The Year of A.I. (Action & Innovation),” featuring virtual workshops, panel discussions on marketing, and other events focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive growth and innovation in small businesses. For more information about Small Business Week and how to get involved, visit pikespeaksbdc.org.