I have to admit—despite all the business sense awards make, I’ve never been one to nominate myself for “best of this” or “top that.” Filling out those forms always felt like an exercise in self-promotion I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. But my friend Debbie Gilbert, who runs the Best Business Women Awards, has been telling me for years that I really need to get my head around it.
For those of you in the VA or PA world, there’s a constant cycle of regional and national awards to apply for—and win. The incredible Vicky Wilson of The Admin Fairy seems to have mastered the art, and hardly a day goes by when I’m not congratulating her on yet another shortlist or win. The VACT awards are still open if you’re thinking about entering your VA business. And I’m sure many of you are putting yourselves forward for others—let me know in the comments so we can cheer you on!
The Other Side of the Awards Table
This year, I found myself on the other side—judging two categories for the Club Hub Awards, which celebrate businesses providing children’s activities and clubs.
It wasn’t something I’d planned, and, to be honest, the responsibility was daunting. Over the last couple of years, I’ve worked with children’s activity providers on contracts and data privacy, but I had only spoken to a fraction of the businesses in this space. Reading their entries and scoring them against set criteria felt like a serious task. (Don’t worry—judging is averaged out, so no one’s fate was resting entirely on my shoulders!)
The Stories That Stopped Me in My Tracks
I started methodically—checking scoring criteria, matching the right entry to the right criteria. But as I read through the submissions, something happened. I wasn’t just reviewing applications; I was stepping into real, raw, lived experiences. And I was moved to tears.
After 45 years of self-employment, I thought I knew the struggles of running a small business. But these stories—of businesses battling to stay afloat during COVID, navigating emergency school closures, adapting to unexpected building shutdowns, weather disasters, personal health crises, and the loss of loved ones—hit differently.
Some entries spoke of burnout, retrenchment, even despair. Others of expansion, transformation, and triumph. They were every small business story of the last few years. They were my story (in a different sector). They were your story. The struggles to get paid. The sudden cancellations. The key staff leaving at the worst possible time. The suppliers that didn’t show up.
And yet, despite it all, there was a common thread woven through every submission: an unstoppable, unbreakable determination to keep going. To deliver for their communities no matter the odds.
A Reminder of Why KoffeeKlatch Exists
Reading those stories, I was reminded of why KoffeeKlatch exists.
It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day—writing contracts, delivering training, handling support. But KoffeeKlatch was founded over a decade ago for one reason: to give small businesses the tools they need to navigate tough times. To provide contracts and light-touch compliance that don’t just sit in a drawer but actually help when things go wrong.
Because running a business isn’t just about growth. Sometimes, it’s about survival. And having the right armour (and the occasional weapon) can make all the difference.
You Are All Winners to Me
To me, anyone running a small business is already a winner. And everyone who entered the Club Hub Awards? Heroes.
I don’t say this lightly—I don’t believe in handing out gold stars just for showing up. But some of the biggest victories don’t come with trophies. Some of the most inspiring wins belong to those who crossed the finish line carrying more than anyone realized.
Whatever Your Next Step—We’re Here
Whether you’re applying for awards, growing your business, or just holding things together—know that you’re not alone.
Whatever your next step, we’re here to help.
