The annual Small Business Week kicked off with a bash at Boot Barn Hall and the announcement of the winners of the Small Business Week Awards. This year, the theme for the week is “The Year of A.I. (Action & Innovation)”.
Von Kessel & Partners of iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Colorado Springs was named Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year. Founded in March 2022, this indoor diving venue is located in the Polaris Pointe retail center on the far north side of Colorado Springs. The facility was founded by three retired Air Force Academy colonels – Omar Bradley, Joel Maynard, and Korky von Kessel.
Behr and Behr of Platinum Group Realtors was named Family-Owned Small Business of the Year. Led by owner and founding partner Ed Behr, the team also includes brokers Renee, Brandon, Leah, and Erik Behr.
Jackie Lujan, founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Early Care and Education, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for her learning-focused day care center that offers quality early childhood education to families in Colorado Springs.
Zachary Barker, a certified economic developer and founder of Startup Support Center was named Small Business Champion of the Year for his work in building entrepreneurship ecosystems that support small businesses to grow and succeed.
Sevan Stryker, general manager at Bob Penkhus Motor Co., was named Small Business Person of the Year for his outstanding contributions to small business growth in Colorado Springs. He has been instrumental in expanding Bob Penkhus Motor Co.’s reach into new markets and customer segments.
