10/09/2025
What an incredible experience in Washington, D.C.! 🇺🇸✨
We were deeply honored to represent Paw-A-Day Inn K9 Suites as part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses, Class of 2025.
From a beautiful cocktail reception at the historic Decatur House, to inspiring breakout sessions (the AI + Google class blew us away!), and a spectacular gala at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — the whole event was unforgettable.
While we didn’t win Top Business in America, what we did come home with was far more meaningful: new connections, renewed energy, and a real sense of pride in our fellow small business owners.
Some of our favorite moments:
🌱 Garla had the pleasure of getting to know Carla Small of Sprout Labs during some of our classes. Sprout Labs is a tech-enabled parental support and learning program for children with dyslexia. She won Top Business in the Disruptors Category!
🥾 We shared a couple of meals and ideas with Tina & Kirk, owners of Walkabout Outfitter (Virginia). We especially loved hearing Kirk’s account of hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound. It has been on Garla's bucket list for years.
🎨 Garla spent time with the team from KRe8 Spaces
in St. Louis — a vibrant, Veteran- and Minority-owned creative hub committed to empowering underrepresented artists, entrepreneurs, and content creators through community, access, and programming.
🪴 Mosaic Makers Collective - We spent some time learning about Katy's business from her husband, and it was very inspiring. She has a women-powered retail shop and artist collective in Texas, helping 130+ women artisans grow their businesses (Champion of Adaptability Winner!)
It was an absolute honor to stand alongside 99 other incredible small businesses that are each making a difference in their communities every day. We came back motivated, grateful, and more determined than ever to keep growing, serving, and creating impact. 💛
