 Since 1986, Commerce Lexington has been honoring and recognizing the significant impact of small businesses on our organization and the regional economy through its annual Salute to Small Business Awards presented by Forcht Bank. Small businesses are a large part of communities across Kentucky, representing 99.3% of businesses in the Commonwealth and employing more than 685,000 people. Commerce Lexington is excited to announce the 2026 award winners, including Goff Tents & Events, Thea’s Bass & Biddy Kitchen, TOPS Magazine, and Children’s Law Center. Throughout the week of August 10 – 14, we’ll showcase our top small businesses and one outstanding nonprofit organization through a variety of events, video vignettes, and Facebook Live segments, culminating on Friday, August 14, with the announcement of the new Small Business of the Year at an awards luncheon, beginning at noon at the Hilton Lexington Downtown (369 West Vine Street) in downtown Lexington. We are very excited to recognize this year’s Salute to Small Business award recipients. Small businesses are woven into the fabric of every part of our region, and our Salute to Small Business awards program is a great opportunity for the business community to say thank you to the risk takers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who have turned their vision into something special.” 2026 Salute to Small Business Award Winners ACHIEVEMENT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD: Goff Tents & Events (859) 887-5272 www.gofftents.com Founded in 1985 as a small family-owned party rental business, Goff Tents & Events has grown into one of the Southeast’s most trusted names in event infrastructure, offering a comprehensive inventory of tents, tables, chairs, linens, lighting, staging, dance floors, pipe and drape, and specialty event equipment. Over the past four decades, the business has experienced steady growth by focusing on customer service, quality products, and long-term relationships within the event industry. Today, the company continues to expand through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and new product offerings while maintaining the family values and customer-first approach that have defined the business since its founding.  EXCELLENCE IN MINORITY BUSINESS AWARD: Thea’s Bass & Biddy Kitchen (859) 490-8366 www.bassandbiddy.com Founded in 2018 by Thea Mason, Thea’s Bass and Biddy Kitchen is a locally owned restaurant and catering business based in Lexington, specializing in fresh fried fish and fried chicken, eclectic gourmet sides, catered meals, and signature house-made products. Thea always had a passion for cooking, and after earning her degree and spending several years working in education and other professional roles, she realized that the culinary world was calling her back to the kitchen. With a vision to bring fresh, flavorful, family-centered food to the community, Thea’s brand is built around bringing families back to the dining room table while creating meaningful food experiences.  BUSINESS SUCCESS AWARD: TOPS Magazine (859) 543-8677 www.topsinlex.com TOPS was created in 2005 when founder Keith Yarber left his career in corporate radio to start a new media concept and company from the ground up. His dream was to create Lexington’s best website and magazine, providing high-quality affordable advertising to small and medium-sized businesses while also partnering with non-profits to showcase their events. The early years were difficult, but as the website became more popular, the business evolved into a more traditional media company with the debut of TOPS Magazine in 2007. Today, TOPS has grown into one of Central Kentucky's most recognized local media brands. TOPS continues to set itself apart from other media competitors by connecting more deeply with its readers, advertisers, and the community.  NONPROFIT COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD: Children’s Law Center (859) 253-3353 www.childrenslawky.org Children's Law Center, or CLC, is a nonprofit legal service center that protects the rights of children and youth — so they can grow up in safe, healthy ways. CLC offers vital advocacy in the child welfare system, justice system, education system, and beyond. Today, CLC is recognized as the regional leader in youth law and policy and collaborates with statewide and national partners to advance young people’s health and well-being. The work of CLC has created measurable, lasting change for many vulnerable young people across the Commonwealth. 2026 Salute to Small Business Event Schedule:
To find out more about the Salute to Small Business Award winners and upcoming events, visit www.commercelexington.com/salute.html. Comments are closed.
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Copyright © 2026 Commerce Lexington Inc., all rights reserved.
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447
COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447