Arlington TX, Small Business Awards, Greater Arlington Chamber, Minority-owned Business, Veteran-owned Business, Woman-owned Business, Nonprofits

Celebrating the 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards in Arlington, TX

Arlington TX is shining a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community champions who keep the city moving forward through the 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Honoring Excellence Across Arlington’s Business Community

Each year, the Greater Arlington Chamber recognizes organizations that embody resilience, innovation, and service. The 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards in Arlington TX celebrate outstanding achievements across six categories: minority-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, nonprofit, for-profit, and the coveted Overall Small Business of the Year.

This year’s recipients include:

• Overall Small Business of the Year: Advanced Integrated Marketing, Inc. – a full-service digital marketing and AI search optimization firm based in Arlington.

• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Levitt Pavilion Arlington – a beloved cultural anchor offering free, high-quality concerts and community events.

• For-Profit Business of the Year: Marcona Kitchen – a North Texas favorite for event catering and fresh, ready-to-eat family meals.

• Woman-owned Business of the Year: The Runner Shop – a locally owned staple providing expert shoe fittings and hosting community runs like the Arlington Turkey Trot.

• Minority-owned Business of the Year: Brisket Boss LLC – a fast-growing Texas food brand rooted in a 70-year family barbecue tradition.

• Veteran-owned Business of the Year: TeamLogic IT Lake Arlington – a managed IT services provider supporting local businesses with cybersecurity, cloud, and help desk solutions.

Overall Small Business of the Year: The Highest Honor

Among all the category winners, one stands out as the Overall Small Business of the Year. This prestigious distinction is awarded to the highest-scoring submission across all categories, based on criteria such as business growth, innovation, civic engagement, and long-term resilience.

In 2026, Advanced Integrated Marketing, Inc. earned this top honor, demonstrating how a locally based, forward-thinking firm can compete on a national stage while remaining deeply connected to the Arlington community. Their recognition underscores the Chamber’s commitment to uplifting businesses that invest in people, technology, and community partnerships.

Spotlight on Brisket Boss LLC: A Minority-Owned Success Story

A highlight of the 2026 Small Business Awards is the celebration of Brisket Boss LLC, this year’s Minority-owned Business recipient. Founded by U.S. Army veteran Royce D. Simmons, Brisket Boss began as a way to share a 70-year family barbecue legacy with a wider audience. Today, the company’s premium seasonings, sauces, snack sticks, and jerky can be found at H‑E‑B, DFW Airport, Aramark venues, and Dallas Methodist Hospital, among others .

From earning a Top 10 Finalist spot in H‑E‑B’s “Quest for Texas Best” competition to scaling into retail and institutional markets, Brisket Boss exemplifies what it means to be a Minority-owned Business that fuels both economic growth and community pride in Arlington TX. For nonprofits and neighborhood organizations, Brisket Boss’s journey is a powerful testament to how local partnerships, storytelling, and grassroots support can help a homegrown brand reach new heights.

Brisket Boss turns a 70-year family recipe into a statewide community success.

Nonprofits, Veterans, and Women Leaders at the Heart of Arlington

The 2026 honorees show how every sector plays a role in a thriving community. Nonprofits like Levitt Pavilion Arlington create inclusive gathering spaces and cultural experiences that benefit residents and families across the city. Veteran-owned businesses such as TeamLogic IT Lake Arlington bring discipline, leadership, and mission-focused service to the local economy. Woman-owned businesses like The Runner Shop foster health, connection, and tradition through events that bring neighbors together year after year.

For community organizations, these stories offer partnership opportunities—from sponsoring events and co-hosting fundraisers to creating workforce pathways and volunteer initiatives. The awards are more than recognition; they are an invitation for nonprofits, civic groups, and residents to rally around the businesses that invest in Arlington every day.

“An Essential Part of What Makes Our Community Thrive”

As the Greater Arlington Chamber announced the 2026 recipients, President & CEO Michael Jacobson emphasized just how vital small businesses are to the region’s future. “Arlington’s small businesses are an essential part of what makes our community thrive,” he said. “This year’s recipients exemplify the innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment that continue to strengthen our economy and make greater Arlington a place where businesses and people can succeed.”

For nonprofits and community leaders, Jacobson’s words are a reminder that supporting small businesses—especially Minority-owned Business, Veteran-owned Business, and Woman-owned Business enterprises—is inseparable from building a more inclusive, resilient Arlington TX.

Looking Ahead to the 21st Annual State of the City Address

The 2026 Small Business of the Year recipients will be formally honored at the 21st Annual State of the City Address on October 29, 2026. This event brings together civic leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and residents to reflect on Arlington’s progress and cast a shared vision for the future.

For community organizations, the State of the City is an ideal moment to connect with honorees like Brisket Boss, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, and other award-winning businesses, explore collaborations, and celebrate the role that small enterprises play in advancing education, culture, neighborhood vitality, and economic opportunity.

📌 Key Takeaway: The 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards highlight how minority-owned, veteran-owned, woman-owned, nonprofit, and for-profit businesses—led by standouts like Brisket Boss LLC—are essential partners in building a stronger, more connected Greater Arlington community.