In partnership with One Valley Foundation (OVF), the Official Foundation of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, FirstBank introduced a brand-new ‘Good Business Awards’ to recognize local businesses making a difference in the community.

From custom tile designs to doggy daycare, here are the ten ‘Good Business Awards’ winners and how they’re making an impact.

1. SH Business Stylist.

SH Business Stylist empowers small businesses by transforming abstract ideas into revenue-generating and sustainable ventures. From project and event management to interior decoration, SH Business Stylist helps small companies achieve their goals. Owner Stacie Hedges understands the importance of education and resource access when starting and growing a business. That’s why she’s active on several nonprofit boards and serves as a part-time business counselor at the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center.

2. The Village Pup.

Operating in La Quinta and Palm Desert, California, The Village Pup is a tenured and family-owned business providing doggy daycare, boarding, and grooming services. Owner Khaled “K” Habash is not only passionate about animal care, but he’s also dedicated to helping people throughout the community. The Village Pup is a second-chance employer, hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, people in recovery, and more.

3. Butterfly Socials.

Butterfly Socials is a woman-owned business that brings a community-focused approach to social media management for businesses in the Coachella Valley. Owner Elena Clark also strives to maintain a low environmental footprint by providing digital solutions to reduce physical waste and encourage eco-friendly practices.

4. Tile Designs by Fina.

Tile Designs by Fina is a woman and minority-owned business specializing in full-service custom tiles, including handmade ceramic, glass, stone, and more. This business has grown from a startup to a multi-million-dollar company. Its success has allowed Owner Fina Meraz to give back to her community by serving on the board for the Desert Design District and sharing insider knowledge on her small business podcast, CV Hustle.

5. Organic Wine Exchange.

Organic Wine Exchange is a woman-owned business highlighting and selling organic, biodynamic wines nationwide. Owner and founder Ann Rabin Arnold leans on her family’s 86-year history in the wine industry and passion for organic wine to help others find one that fits their needs. Arnold’s enthusiasm for education and philanthropy shows up in her volunteer efforts and donations to nonprofit silent auctions, which supports several organizations across the Valley. 

6. Bread and Flours.

Bread and Flours is a family-owned and operated artisanal bakery in Palm Springs, California. This bakeshop uses natural, whole food, and plant-based ingredients to create baked goods without preservatives or additives. Owners Kristin Ryall and Mark Gavigan are also dedicated to plant-conscious efforts, sourcing flour and wheat from local growers and using glass or compostable packaging when necessary.

7. Grill A Burger.

Servicing the Palm Desert area, Grill A Burger is a minority and woman-owned restaurant serving up a plethora of burgers and a sense of community. Owners Salima and Farouk Nurani see their business as more than just a restaurant—their purpose is to support and uplift the communities they serve. From helping neighbors in need to partnering with a local food bank on a cause campaign, Grill A Burger is dedicated to making a difference. It was also featured on an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” on the Food Network.

8. Wilma and Frieda’s Café.

Inspired by Owner Kelly McFall’s grandmothers, Wilma and Freida, this café has grown from a simple desire to honor familial recipes to an 80-person team and staple in the Coachella Valley. While this restaurant has garnered a lot of recognition from “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” by the Palm Springs Life Magazine to a “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” feature on the Food Network, Kelly is most proud of her support for local charities and the strong volunteer culture she’s cultivated throughout her team.

9. El Parrandero Elegante.

Located in Cathedral City, California, El Parrandero Elegante is a woman and minority-owned business offering several amenities, including affordable work or western attire for sale and money transfer services. El Parrandero Elegante is more than just a store, thanks to owner Alma Ramos. She has cultivated a place where the Latino community can flourish and regularly helps members of her community in need by offering additional support, donations, and more.

10. My Party Rental Guys.

My Party Rental Guys is a minority and family-owned event planning company in the Coachella Valley. This business provides a full range of party-planning products, including dance floors, lighting, tents, etc. Beyond owner Amos Greenwood’s passion for party planning, his unwavering support of several local nonprofits, including the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, has garnered recognition among his peers.

To see how FirstBank continues to help promote and support businesses of all stages of growth, visit efirstbank.com/goodbusiness.

For tips on growing your business, visit the Business Success page at efirstbankblog.com.

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