Established: 1910 Director: Betsy Dollar Employees: 11 Services: nonprofit The Springfield Art Association was created in 1910 as The Springfield Amateur Art Study Club. The club drew more than 100 members rather quickly. “There was a great deal of interest in the arts and the power of the arts to improve society overall,” said […]
15 Under Fifteen
15 Under Fifteen is an awards program recognizing locally owned small businesses. To be eligible for recognition, the business must employ 15 or fewer employees and have been in business for more than two years. The selection process allows for 15 businesses to be named annually.
Celebrating the success of local businesses plays an important role in sending a message regionally and statewide that the Springfield metropolitan area is a great place to do business.
To Nominate a small businss, please use our submissions form »
Posted inSpecial Issues
Storyteller Studios
Established: 2013 Owners: Josh and Andrea Hester Employees: 7 Services: video production Josh and Andrea Hester, owners of Storyteller Studios, opened the business in 2013 with a simple goal of creating videos that tell real stories and make a difference. “After years of working in documentary film and corporate marketing, I saw the power of […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Established: 1869 President: Mike Murphy Employees: 7 Services: business advocacy The roots of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce go back to 1869 when the Springfield Board of Trade was founded. The GSCC has been a driving force for the local business community, as it is committed to enhancing member success and advocating for […]
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Three Twigs & Co.
Established: 2015 Owners: Tim and Emily Lewis Employees: 8 Services: bakery and restaurant Three Twigs & Co began selling homemade baked goods in May 2015 at the Old Capitol Farmers Market. In January 2019, the business opened its first storefront. Owners Timothy and Emily Lewis have a love for food, hospitality and connecting with […]
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Up and Running Services
Established: 2016 Owners: Chris and Allie Roberts Employees: 4 Services: small engine repair Chris and Allie Roberts opened Up and Running Services in 2016. Growing up, Chris always enjoyed working on small equipment, and he eventually decided to make a living out of it. Up and Running Services repairs and services lawn equipment and […]
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Ben Ladage Auctions
Established: 2010 Owners: Ben and Kim Ladage Employees: 12 Services: auctions Ben and Kim Ladage started Ben Ladage Auctions in 2010 after Ben attended the Missouri Auction School. “Over the next few years, I conducted a handful of live auctions while working for other local auctioneers,” he said. Ladage became a full-time auctioneer in 2016 […]
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Bramley Funeral Home
Established: 1924 Owners: Tim Bramley, Sarah Bramley Jones, Tyler Bramley Employees: 3 Services: funeral home Chester and Pearl Bramley opened the doors of Bramley Funeral Home in Divernon in June of 1924. Eventually their son, Charles, joined the family business and worked beside his father as they served the growing needs of their community. […]
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15 Under Fifteen
This is the 21st year that Springfield Business Journal has partnered with United Community Bank to recognize 15 outstanding small businesses in the local area. To qualify, a business must be located in Sangamon or Morgan county, have been open for at least two years and have 15 or fewer full-time employees. A business is […]
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Northern Lights Lounge
Established: 1993 Owners: Susan and Doug Bloemke Employees: 8 Services: bar and restaurant Northern Lights Lounge opened in 1993. In 2018, Susan and Doug Bloemke took ownership of the lounge and were sure to keep the personal service, atmosphere and good times that the customers had grown to love. Susan knew firsthand what made Northern […]
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Nothing Bundt Cakes
Established: 2020 Owners: Theo and Kristin Spilman Employees: 15 Services: Bakery Theo and Kristin Spilman opened Nothing Bundt Cakes in August of 2020. The couple wanted to create an opportunity for community growth in their hometown. The business is a from-scratch bakery, as they bake and frost all cakes onsite, which delivers high-impact results. Joy […]
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The Missy Grady Home Team – The Real Estate Group
Established: 2016 Owners: Missy Grady Employees: 5 Services: Real estate In 2001, Missy Grady left her teaching career to become a full-time real estate broker. She initially joined her family firm, Grady Realtors Inc., which was established in 1969. In 2016, the firm merged with The Real Estate Group Inc., which had been in business […]
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TNS Detailing and Restoration
Established: 2019 Owner: Nicole Woods-Malcom and Timothy Stanfield Employees: 5 Services: automotive TNS Detailing & Restoration was formed in October 2019 when Tim Stanfield and Nicole Woods-Malcom decided to draw on their years of auto detailing experience. “Nicole had a major battle with metastatic cancer in 2018 that placed a strain on the family budget,” […]