At Gusto, we believe that small businesses are more than just workplaces—they are the heart and soul of their communities. Organizations that drive change, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact. That’s why we created the Gusto Impact Awards—to recognize small businesses that go above and beyond in their missions.
This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate five inspiring businesses that range in impact—from empowering women in skilled trades to providing in-home therapy for aging adults. Each of our winners embodies the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Let’s meet the incredible winners of this year’s Gusto Impact Awards and learn how they’re creating a better future for their communities.
She Built This City – Breaking Barriers in Skilled Trades
📍 Charlotte, NC
👷 CEO: LaToya Faustin
In traditionally male-dominated industries like construction and skilled trades, She Built This City (SBTC) is changing the game. Through hands-on workshops, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs, SBTC provides women, youth, and underrepresented communities with the tools and training needed to build successful careers in fields like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
The organization’s vision “Our vision is to dismantle barriers and stigmas in traditionally male-dominated industries through innovative,sustainable practices that prepare us for a future of jobs that have yet to be created.” With the support of the Gusto Impact Award, SBTC will be able to expand its programming, fund training materials, and increase access to career pathways for more individuals facing barriers to entry.
SBTC CEO LaToya Faustin told us, “[T]here’s a woman out there who’s already working a hard, dirty job. She’s just not getting paid well for it. I want to find her. She needs to know that we exist. We need to make sure that she knows that these opportunities are available.”
Cranky Carrot Juice Co. – Making Healthy Eating Accessible
📍 Houston, TX
🥕 Founders: Francesca Costa & Fredy Escobar
Cranky Carrot Juice Co. started as a small juice stand at Houston’s farmers markets, but it has since grown into a thriving health-focused café, serving cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, kombucha, and nutrient-dense meals. The company is committed to sustainability, transitioning from plastic to glass bottles and composting food waste in partnership with local farms.
More than just a business, Cranky Carrot Juice Co. has stepped up in times of crisis—providing free food and water to Houston residents after hurricanes and winter storms. Now, with plans to expand to a second location, the Gusto Impact Award will help fund that growth, creating more jobs and increasing access to truly healthy food options for the community.
Cranky Carrot co-founder Francesa Costa told us that the business “was born out of the idea of wanting to positively contribute to my community and then realizing nutrition was that avenue. [W]e set out to be different and truly commit to a healthy lifestyle, healthy food, and […] environmental practices that actually make a difference.”
Radical Partners – Building a Stronger Miami Through Social Impact
📍 Miami, FL
🤝 CEO: Joan Godoy
Radical Partners is a social impact accelerator that invests in leaders, engages locals, co-creates solutions, and builds coalitions that strengthen Miami. Across their programs, projects, and services, they empower nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and community changemakers across Miami.
Through coaching, trainings, technical assistance, and powerful connections, Radical Partners has upskilled and uplifted the work of over 700+ social impact leaders, fostering housing affordability, climate resilience, racial justice, and others. The organization also leads 10 Days of Connection, a movement that has engaged over 314,200 people to combat hate and discrimination by bringing together diverse communities.
Winning the Gusto Impact Award will provide Radical Partners with financial stability and reach, allowing them to sustain and expand their impact as they continue empowering local leaders in Miami and beyond.
Radical Partners CEO, Joan Godoy, told Gusto, “I believe this $10,000 will allow us to invest in our skilled leadership, strengthen our resources, and expand what we can achieve as an all-femme team—ensuring we continue to create meaningful impact.” wants
Roaming Rehab LLC – Bringing Physical Therapy to Those Who Need It Most
📍 Denver, CO
💪 Co-Founders: Derek Smith & Katie Sage
Roaming Rehab is revolutionizing physical therapy by providing in-home, one-on-one therapy services for aging adults. By removing transportation barriers, the company ensures that seniors receive personalized, high-quality care without having to navigate crowded clinics.
The company’s fitness-forward approach encourages seniors to stay active, independent, and engaged in their communities—whether that means hiking, gardening, or simply keeping up with their grandchildren. With the Gusto Impact Award, Roaming Rehab will be able to expand its reach in the Denver area, hire more therapists, and fund critical marketing efforts to connect with those who need their services most.
Roaming Rehab co-founder Katie Sage told Gusto about using the award to expand their support to new communities, “[W]e’re trying to expand our geographic area to go a little further south and east to serve like Aurora and Parker. We definitely want to branch out there because there’s pretty limited services to those folks.”
Mended – Empowering Survivors Through Ethical Home Goods
📍 Dallas, TX
🧵 Founder: Mallory Martin
Mended is a social impact brand that economically empowers South Asian survivors of modern-day slavery by providing meaningful employment in textile and home goods production. By using traditional hand block printing techniques, survivor artisans create ethically made, high-quality table linens and textiles, turning craftsmanship into a path toward financial independence.
Beyond its global impact, Mended also partners with organizations in Dallas to provide economic empowerment to refugee women who are being trained in the skill of tailoring and sewing. With no prior advertising budget, the company has grown purely through mission-driven storytelling. Winning the Gusto Impact Award will provide funding for advertising and marketing, allowing Mended to reach new audiences and scale its impact even further.
Mended Founder Mallory Martin told Gusto, “I do this because I believe in the economic empowerment of every human. Every person has dignity and worth and so it’s just been the joy of a lifetime to get to marry business with global impact.”
The Power of Small Business
These five winners exemplify the incredible impact that small businesses can have—not just in their industries, but in their communities. From expanding knowledge about healthy nutrition to empowering survivors of modern-day slavery, they are leading the way in creating a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future.
We’re honored to support these businesses through the Gusto Impact Awards, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and inspire others.
📢 Know a small business making a difference? Stay tuned for next year’s Gusto Impact Awards and help us recognize the changemakers shaping the future!
