Throughout the pandemic, small businesses and entrepreneurs across the nation have had to find ways to navigate the changing economic landscape. As the lifeblood of the economy, these businesses had the difficult task of navigating constant change, while trying to sustain their staffing, inventory, and their very existence.
To celebrate their grit and determination, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honored small businesses across the nation last month during National Small Business Week. Their annual Small Business Awards program recognized small business success while sharing stories that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit.
This year, 14 Hawaii small businesses and their owners were honored with the SBA’s top honors, including two local favorites on the Big Island.
The husband-and-wife team of Sandra and Tim Heaton, owners of Gypsea Gelato, were honored as Small Businesspersons of the Year for the County of Hawaii. With three retail shops located in Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa, the business produces many flavors of gelato and sorbet. Their ingredients are procured locally, all coming from local farms.
Like many other small business owners, the Heatons have faced unexpected challenges. From equipment breakdowns to lack of distributor inventory due to the pandemic, they have continued to work through adversity dealing with each issue as it arises, all while doing work that they love.
With the addition of a third retail location and their innovative 16-foot mobile kiosk used to sell pre-packaged gelato and sorbet, Gypsea Gelato is able to provide additional employment opportunities in their community.
Recognized as the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for the state of Hawaii, Rennell Saro and Danielle Hawxhurst of Kona Crust Pizza got their start operating a pizzeria in upstate New York. After their venture on the East Coast, they decided to pursue their dream of a pizzeria on the Big Island, opening Kona Crust Pizza. The pizzeria sources top-of-the-line ingredients and spares no expense when it comes to delivering a satisfying experience to its customers.
Saro and Hawxhurst’s journey is a story of grit and determination. Through years of hard work and perseverance, they are now on the cusp of opening their fourth location and are able to offer competitive pay and benefits to their employees. Their hard work not only helped them achieve their dream, but it also made a positive economic and social impact on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Out of the 14 total Hawaii Small Business Award recipients, eight were Central Pacific Bank (CPB) business customers, including the two Big Island small businesses.
“CPB is proud to be the leader in Hawaii supporting small businesses, including women owned enterprises, as a diverse business community helps support a well-balanced and thriving economy,” said CPB President and Chief Operating Officer Arnold Martines. “Being from the Big Island, I sincerely congratulate Gypsea Gelato, Kona Crust Pizza, and all of the honorees for their well-deserved recognition and success as this is a validation of their hard work and commitment to their company.”
Financial institutions like CPB have continued to stand by local small businesses by helping business owners reach for their dreams. Since 2007, CPB has been recognized 12 times as Lender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Hawaii District Office. In 2021, CPB originated more loans to small business than the other major banks in Hawaii combined. CPB also recently launched a new online banking system specially designed for small businesses.
As the economic landscape continues to fluctuate while new challenges for business owners continue to rise, one thing remains certain: celebrating and supporting local small business remains an integral part of sustaining a vibrant and growing economy.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/hi.
Since 1954, Central Pacific Bank’s mission has been to bring the aloha spirit to banking. CPB stands for inclusivity, opportunity, and doing the right thing for their customers so that, together, they can build a stronger Hawaii. To learn more, visit cpb.bank. Member FDIC