The Manatee Chamber of Commerce celebrated Manatee County’s business and non-profit excellence Friday, August 28, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center during the 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards.
The annual awards recognize organizations that demonstrate the highest levels of leadership, innovation, service, growth, community impact, and a commitment to making Manatee County a stronger place to live and work. This year, more than 200 local businesses and non-profit organizations were nominated. Nearly 100 organizations completed the comprehensive application process, and 36 finalists were selected to participate in in-person interviews with the awards judges. Seven winners were ultimately selected across five small business and two non-profit categories.
Non-Profit Category One
Manatee River Fair Association
For nearly 90 years, the Manatee River Fair Association has been woven into the fabric of Manatee County. Its annual fair and year-round activities create opportunities for hundreds of local young people to develop skills in responsibility, leadership, financial management, public speaking, and communication. Over the past year, the organization hosted 37 community and non-profit events, while its signature annual event welcomed approximately 113,000 attendees. The organization also continues to expand opportunities for young people through media, marketing, performance, and other programs.
Non-Profit Category Two
United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast was recognized for its collaborative approach to addressing some of the area’s most significant challenges. The organization brings together businesses, non-profits, schools, government agencies, volunteers, donors, and local leaders to create measurable impact. During the past year, it directly served 4,800 people in Manatee County, reached more than 1,000 local students through early learning and literacy initiatives, and helped more than 800 residents save nearly $200,000 in tax preparation costs while bringing more than $900,000 in refunds and tax credits back into Manatee County.
Small Business Category One
Gulf Coast Music Therapy
Gulf Coast Music Therapy was recognized for its specialized work helping individuals discover confidence, inclusion, accomplishment, and possibility through the power of music. Founded in 2006, the business has grown from being the only provider of its specialized service in Manatee County to serving more than 100 individual clients and eight facilities each week. The company also demonstrated remarkable resilience during a statewide reimbursement crisis, adapting its business model while advocating for clients, its profession, and fellow small businesses.
Small Business Category Two
Aginto
Aginto believes business success should be measured not only by its own growth, but also by the success of its clients, employees, and community. The locally rooted company retained 94% of its clients over the past year and has helped businesses grow through evolving strategies, including adapting to the changing landscape created by artificial intelligence. Its commitment to the community is equally strong, with more than $84,000 in cash contributions and more than 150 hours of professional services donated to local non-profits last year.
Small Business Category Three
Coastal Hearing Care
Coastal Hearing Care was recognized for putting people and exceptional customer service at the center of its business. Since 2020, the company has grown its customer base by more than 560%, while earning more than 560 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. Its commitment extends beyond its customers, providing hearing aids and professional services at no cost to Manatee County residents in need, supporting local youth and families, educating seniors, and giving back.
Small Business Category Four
Ananda Farm
Ananda Farm has transformed a working farm into a destination where agriculture, food, family, and neighborhoods come together. After significantly expanding its operation in late 2024, the farm welcomed more than 65,000 visitors during its first year operating at the expanded scale, with 90% of first-time guests returning three to five times. The business also employs as many as 80 people during peak season, invests in employee development, and supports the area through school field trips, local partnerships, charitable causes, and a summer camp that welcomed 160 children in its first year.
Small Business Category Five
ZNS Engineering
ZNS Engineering was recognized for five decades of locally rooted growth and its lasting impact on Manatee County. The company has played a role in local projects, including a new training facility for Dogs Inc., working with Guardian Angels of Southwest Florida, and the new City of Bradenton Police Department headquarters. Beyond its professional work, the company and its owners support local organizations through charitable giving, volunteerism, and leadership.
The Manatee Chamber hosted the awards program with Seacoast Bank serving as Center Stage Sponsor. The event also recognized the 36 finalists and nearly 100 organizations that completed the application process, celebrating the breadth of talent, leadership, and commitment represented throughout Manatee County.
The Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards have been a Manatee Chamber tradition for 46 years. Since the program’s inception, the Chamber has honored more than 170 local small businesses. In 2016, the program expanded to include non-profit organizations, recognizing their operations and contributions to the community, workforce, and economy.
The 2026 winners were selected by an independent group of business and non-profit leaders who devoted numerous hours to reviewing applications and conducting finalist interviews. Their professionalism, integrity, and dedication help make the awards meaningful to the organizations being recognized.