“We focused on culture first, and that’s what makes our team special.”
Keegan Fong, Owner
Woon, Los Angeles
Top Local Workplace Awards
Recognizing great places to work.
Every year during National Small Business Week, we celebrate local businesses that go above and beyond for their teams.
Great teams take work.
Top Local Workplace Awards don’t just go to well-run businesses. They go to businesses who put in the extra time and effort to make sure their employees feel supported and valued. It’s that kind of dedication that makes the whole neighborhood stronger.
What makes a great workplace in 2026?
We surveyed 1,200+ managers and hourly employees to learn what they value most. Through our proprietary scoring system, we then evaluated 150k+ businesses in our network, analyzing more than 1 billion data points to identify the Top Local Workplaces of the year.
Pride
86% of hourly workers are proud to work for small businesses, and most plan to stay put in the next 3–6 months.
Community
60% of employees said a strong sense of team and community defines a great workplace.
Stability
Competitive pay and scheduling flexibility are top factors employees consider when choosing where to work.
Meet a few winners.
Learn how these Homebase businesses have built great workplaces.
“Trust, creativity, and letting every person shine — we obsess over the details so our team feels as elevated as the experience we create for our guests.”
Tom Pendrey, Co-founder
AURA Candle Bar, Chicago, IL
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. And so that’s something that we truly live by.”
Ivy Walls, Co-Founder
Black Farmer Box, Houston, TX
“Everyone feels empowered to treat it like their own business, and we all do.”
Dominic C. Howarth, Book Buyer
Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg, FL
“I often compare our pizzeria to a current day vinyl record store. We offer guests of all ages more than just pizza, but a memorable dining experience.”
Paulie Gee, Owner
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, Brooklyn, NY
“It always feels like i’m working out with friends.”
Jasmine Bunn, Coach
F45, Sherman Oaks, CA
“I have built a team who believes in being authentic and loving what we do. There is so much time and love that goes into it.”
Jane Wild, Owner
Jane and the Lion, Houston, TX
“It’s about the vibe, the people, and the culture.”
Jarrett Sabatini, Owner
Intermezzo, St. Petersburg, FL
“We focused on culture first, and that’s what makes our team special.”
Keegan Fong, Owner
Woon, Los Angeles
“Trust, creativity, and letting every person shine — we obsess over the details so our team feels as elevated as the experience we create for our guests.”
Tom Pendrey, Co-founder
AURA Candle Bar, Chicago, IL
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. And so that’s something that we truly live by.”
Ivy Walls, Co-Founder
Black Farmer Box, Houston, TX
“Everyone feels empowered to treat it like their own business, and we all do.”
Dominic C. Howarth, Book Buyer
Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg, FL
“I often compare our pizzeria to a current day vinyl record store. We offer guests of all ages more than just pizza, but a memorable dining experience.”
Paulie Gee, Owner
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, Brooklyn, NY
“It always feels like i’m working out with friends.”
Jasmine Bunn, Coach
F45, Sherman Oaks, CA
“I have built a team who believes in being authentic and loving what we do. There is so much time and love that goes into it.”
Jane Wild, Owner
Jane and the Lion, Houston, TX
“It’s about the vibe, the people, and the culture.”
Jarrett Sabatini, Owner
Intermezzo, St. Petersburg, FL
Trusted by 150,000+ small businesses and their teams.
