Small businesses don’t just power our economy, they shape the communities we live in. From family-run bakeries to tech startups, small business owners and their accountants are the people turning hard work and big ideas into real change every day.
That’s why Gusto created the Impact Awards: to recognize, celebrate, and support small businesses making a difference in their communities. And this year, we’re taking it national.
Honoring small businesses and celebrating across America
After a successful pilot in 2023 and a five-city expansion in 2024, the 2025 Gusto Impact Awards are going coast-to-coast. This year we’ll be celebrating small businesses in five U.S. regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.
Each region will crown one grand prize winner who will receive $50,000 in prizes, including:
$40,000 in local advertising,
$10,000 in cash, and
A full year of Gusto payroll services.
This makes a real difference to a small business. Here’s what last year’s winners had to say:
“Every penny matters toward our mission, but it’s the awareness that will be exponential.”
– LaToya Faustin, She Built This City (Charlotte)
“The awareness campaign will be like opening a whole new world for us.”
– Derek Smith, Roaming Rehab (Denver)
This award lets us strengthen our own leadership so we can keep accelerating impact.”
– Joan M. Godoy, Radical Partners (Miami)
And because small business excellence is everywhere, 150 runner-ups (30 per region) will each take home a $500 Visa gift card to keep their momentum going.
Bringing communities together
Wherever our winners are located, we’ll also host a celebration party in their honor. These will be gatherings where entrepreneurs, accountants, and community partners can connect, share their stories, and honor what they’ve built.
These events are designed to build connections between small business owners, their accountants, and the broader local ecosystem that supports them.
Recognizing accountants
We know accountants are often the behind-the-scenes champions of small business success. So, this year’s program introduces an accountant nomination track, a way for accountants to spotlight their clients that are doing extraordinary things. Accountants who nominate winning businesses will be recognized and rewarded a $5,000 cash prize and one free year of Gusto payroll services.
It’s another way we’re deepening our partnership with the accounting community and celebrating their critical role in small business growth.
Join the celebration
If you’re a small business making a positive impact—or an accountant supporting one—we’d love to hear your story.
Visit gusto.com/win to learn more, apply, or nominate a deserving business.
Let’s celebrate the people building a better future for all of us, one small business at a time.
