Nominees for Small Business of the Year

Bubba Brew’s Brewing Co. Spa City Taproom

The Bubba Brew’s Brewing Co. Spa City Taproom opened November 2017 with a mission to bring delicious locally brewed craft beer, house-made gastropub fare and a comfortable, welcoming tavern-like feel to downtown Hot Springs.

It also educates consumers, both locals and tourists alike, on craft beer and brewing using both traditional and innovative methods.

Since its opening the Taproom has strived to develop community awareness and promote the arts, downtown, and local business and charitable organizations.

Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe

As seen on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe has been a staple in the Historic District of Downtown Hot Springs since 2011. It offers more than 20 flavors of cupcakes daily, including its bestselling Salted Caramel, Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Lemon Lavender.

The cupcake shop looks for any opportunity to donate its time, resources and baked goods to organizations around the community.

Morrison’s Fried Pies

Morrison’s Fried Pies aims to provide “the best fried pies in the South.” The company’s primary goal is for the pies to bring a smile to people and bring tourists back to Hot Springs.

Edgar Morrison has over 30 years of experience in the food industry, having been raised in the bakery business in Texas. He is joined by his wife, Teresa, daughter, Amber, and son, Timothy. Together they strive to provide a product of homemade quality, “just like Grandma used to make.”

State & Pride Provisions Co.

State & Pride Provisions Co. is a unique outdoor apparel retailer and gift specialty store that operates in the oldest building in downtown Hot Springs. Inspired by the ongoing revitalization of downtown, State & Pride invested in downtown Hot Springs by occupying and renovating the retail space at 518 Central Ave. in 2015.

In 2017, it added an additional 2,000 square feet of space. State & Pride focuses on improving the community by being actively involved in the improvement and promotion of Hot Springs and the State of Arkansas.

TLI Print

TLI Print’s mission is to help its customers thrive by providing world class print, design, creative and marketing services with high quality hometown service.

With a goal to help clients accomplish their goals whether that means growing their business, helping raise huge quantities of funds for worthwhile causes or furthering their worthwhile mission, TLI Print’s business is community involvement.

TLI Print began printing for retail in March 2015 and has since dramatically expanded its services.

US Stations

The mission of US Stations is to entertain and inform the citizens of Garland County and Central Arkansas and to help its advertisers succeed in its businesses.

US Stations is proud to promote Hot Springs and Garland County and make the community a better place to live. Deeply involved in the community, the five stations that make up US Stations (US97, KLAZ, The Bull, The Rocket and KZNG) air hundreds of public service announcements for various nonprofits who cannot afford advertising.

Bear Essentials

Established in 1996, Bear Essentials’ desire was to not only be a member of the community but to assist it when and where possible. Throughout the years they have helped to establish clothing closets with various schools and organizations as well as making donations to others.

The small business also has been the home of the annual Wear It Forward Formal wear sale, which benefits various local charities since 2010.