Several Lakewood Ranch-area businesses and nonprofits earned spots among the more than 75 honorees named for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce's 46th Annual Small Business and Nonprofit of the Year Awards, with winners set to be revealed at a luncheon on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

The Chamber released its full honoree list on Monday, July 27, according to Tampa Bay Beacons. Chicken Salad Chick, which operates at 5434 Lockwood Ridge Road near the University Parkway corridor, made the business honorees list. On the nonprofit side, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, which maintains a Lakewood Ranch office at 4215 Concept Court, earned a spot alongside 31 other organizations.

The honoree pool spans construction, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, retail, and professional services on the business side, plus nonprofits serving children, families, education, and conservation.

"These organizations are creating jobs, serving neighbors, solving community challenges, and making Manatee County an exceptional place to live and work," Kim Dalglish, the Chamber's vice president of membership, said in the announcement.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast serves 1,700 youth matched with mentors across 10 Florida counties. The organization reports that 99% of at-risk students in its program were promoted to the next grade and 100% of graduating seniors continued their education, joined the military, or entered the workforce.

Other business honorees include Orange Blossom Coffee, a family-owned Bradenton cafe that sources locally roasted beans from Banyan Coffee Co. in Palmetto; Compass Hotel by Margaritaville; Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard; O'Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar; and Supermarket Acapulco Tropical. The full list runs 48 businesses and 32 nonprofits deep.

Being named an honoree does not guarantee a trophy. The selection process starts with community nominations, followed by a comprehensive application covering operations, leadership, customer service, and financial stewardship. Independent volunteer judges evaluate each application to determine finalists and winners, who will be revealed at the Aug. 28 luncheon.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and program advertising are available at ManateeChamber.com/SmallBiz.