Davidson-Davie Honors ‘Small Business of the Year’ Recipients in Annual Awards Ceremony

“These winners represent exemplary business owners who have set themselves up for success,” says Laura Clemmer Baker, director of the Small Business Center. “We take pride in each of these businesses and the value they add to our communities.”

Winners this year included:

• Agape Homes, LLC – Owner Travis Bobo was presented the award by the Small Business Center. “We chose Agape Homes because the owner really utilized the resources available provided by the Small Business Center,” Baker said. “He has been consistent and dedicated to doing things the right way, and he’s really started to see great success.”
• The Funk! Creative Community Center – Owner Joylyn Howell was presented the award by the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce. The business serves as a retail store, as well as maker’s space and community center; Howell first connected with the Small Business Center back in 2020 when she moved to Lexington.
• Holly Hill Memorial Cemetery – Presented to Eric and Megan Anderson by the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce. The Andersons purchased the cemetery from the granddaughter of the original owner and has utilized the business as more than just a cemetery, but rather a place that serves the community throughout the year with toy, school supply and food drives, as well as memorial events and a Walk for Suicide Prevention” event and more.
• Home Star Realty – Ashley Bonnett was presented by the Northern Davidson County Chamber of Commerce. Bonnett has focused on much more than simply helping her clients sell and buy homes – she serves them by taking the process off her client’s plate and doing the best job possible to allow them to focus on life.
• Davie Tavern – Owner Alan Coats was presented the award by the Davie County Chamber of Commerce. The Tavern was originally recognized in March of this year. Coats credits the efforts of the general manager of the Tavern who took the establishment to the next level.

During the event, each winner was presented with a glass, teardrop-shaped plaque. “We hope these businesses will proudly display these awards,” Baker said. “They represent great accomplishment. … These businesses were selected by area chambers because they remain committed to growth and their community.”