The Virginia Beer Company Selected for 2021 Small Business of the Year; The Prescription Shoppe Selected for 2021 Early Stage Small Business of the Year
Williamsburg, VA — The Greater Williamsburg Business Council is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 30th Annual Small Business of the Year Award and 3rd Annual Early Stage Small Business of the Year Award.
The 2021 Small Business of the Year was awarded to The Virginia Beer Company. Founded in 2016, VBC has supported many philanthropic causes, built lasting relationships with local organizations, and consistently grown every year.
This past year, the VBC team created “Can Releases for a Cause” to support local non-profits. VBC also retained 100% of its staff throughout the pandemic, even hiring for an additional role.
“We are humbled by the nomination and this recognition, especially considering all the amazing organizations around us doing so much good in our community,” said Robby Willey, co-founder of The Virginia Beer Company.
Co-founder Chris Smith added, “That’s really what makes this award possible: community. If not for our team and the people who support us on a daily basis, we wouldn’t be able to do all the things that allow us to be a force for good in the form of a brewery. We couldn’t be more proud to still be standing tall together after last year, and we’re excited to do more and brew more going forward.”
Other nominees for the Small Business of the Year Award include The UPS Store at Quarterpath, Saving Grace Home Care, Parkway Printshop, Paddle On of Williamsburg, James A. Burden DDS & Associates, Compass Wealth Strategies, Bicast, and Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill.
The 2021 Early Stage Small Business of the Year was awarded to The Prescription Shoppe. Having opened in 2019, TPS quickly immersed itself in the community, raising funds for Media Mentors, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and the Kiwanis Club, among other charities.
Dr. Henry Ranger and Dr. Jade Ranger, co-owners and pharmacists of TPS, worked tirelessly to help with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, partnering with local businesses to host the Peninsula’s first drive-thru vaccination clinic.
TPS also created the “Local Supporting Local” campaign, celebrating our community coming together throughout the pandemic.
Stated simply, Dr. Henry Ranger affirmed, “When you truly care about people, it comes easy to take care of them.” It is evident that TPS is passionate about caring for the Greater Williamsburg community, and the Business Council looks forward to its continued growth and impact in the years to come.
Other nominees for the Early Stage Small Business of the Year Award include The Williamsburg Bazaar, The Traveling Notary, Sweethaven Lavender, illy Caffe Williamsburg, Home Clean Heroes of the Peninsula, Casa Pearl, Carpet Direct, and Axe Republic.
All of the businesses considered for the awards were nominated by members of the Business Council and then interviewed by the Award Subcommittee of the Business Council’s Economic Growth Committee.
The Subcommittee judged the nominees by the criteria of longevity, retention and growth in number of employees, increase in sales and unit volume, innovation of products or services offered, resiliency and response to adversity, and community-oriented projects. Early Stage nominees, having been open for fewer than three years, were also judged on entrepreneurial spirit.
“We are truly thrilled to honor The Virginia Beer Company and The Prescription Shoppe with these awards,” stated Terry Banez, CEO of the Business Council. “The successes of these businesses, along with that of each of the businesses nominated, were a testament to the strength of our local business community in the face of adversity.”
For media inquiries, please contact Amanda Terrell at 757-253-2310.
