Welcome to a tradition we hold near and dear at the Guardian — our annual round-up of independent businesses that represent the best of entrepreneurship here in the Bay. From a local sweet shop that’s defied the Nestle odds to become the Bay’s best-loved ice cream treat to the Castro’s best new spot for punting and catching, read on for our favorite small businesses now.
>>WOMEN IN BUSINESS: MOTHERSHIP HACKERMOMS
>>COMMUNITY SERVICE: UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ARTS
>>LEGACY AWARD: LA VICTORIA BAKERY
>>SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE: BUSINESS ALLIANCE FOR LOCAL LIVING ECONOMIES
>>EMPLOYEE-FRIENDLY BUSINESS: R & G LOUNGE
>>LOCAL MANUFACTURING: BABETTE
>>READER’S CHOICE: SHAMELESS PHOTOGRAPHY