The annual Small Business Week kicked off with a bash at Boot Barn Hall and the unveiling of the winners of the Small Business Week Awards. This year’s Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year is Von Kessel & Partners of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs. The indoor diving venue, which opened in March 2022, is located in the Polaris Pointe retail center on the far north side of Colorado Springs. Founded by three retired Air Force Academy colonels – Omar Bradley, Joel Maynard, and Korky von Kessel – the facility offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.
The Family-Owned Small Business of the Year is Behr and Behr of the Platinum Group Realtors. Led by owner and founding partner Ed Behr, the team also includes brokers Renee, Brandon, Leah, and Erik Behr. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year is Jackie Lujan, founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Early Care and Education, a learning-focused day care. Zachary Barker, a certified economic developer and founder of the Startup Support Center, was named Small Business Champion of the Year for his work in building entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Sevan Stryker, general manager of Bob Penkhus Motor Co., was named Small Business Person of the Year. Small Business Week will continue through Friday with virtual workshops, a marketing panel, and more activities. This year’s theme is “The Year of A.I. (Action & Innovation).” For more information about Small Business Week or to register for events visit pikespeaksbdc.org.
Small Business Week started with a bash at Boot Barn Hall where winners were announced for several awards including Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year which went to Von Kessel & Partners at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs.
The Young Entrepreneur Award went to Jackie Lujan who founded The Lighthouse Early Care and Education while Zachary Barker received recognition as Small Business Champion