Hoosier State Today

A custom home builder and a wellness retailer were recognized as the top small businesses in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Duke Homes, based in Bargersville, and The Elderberry Co., from New Albany, were named the 2025 Small Businesses of the Year at a luncheon in Indianapolis. This event was part of the Indiana Chamber’s Chamber Day at the Statehouse, held with the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. Over 300 employers and local chamber leaders attended to discuss public policies affecting their businesses.

"Small businesses are so vital to the state’s economic prosperity and make our local communities what they are," said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. She emphasized that "the Indiana Chamber is dedicated to doing all it can to champion this important sector."

The selection process involved over 40 nominations from state legislators, local chambers of commerce, and businesses across Indiana. Companies with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for consideration. Nominations were judged on leadership and community involvement, chamber participation, business success, and overall merit.

State Rep. Michelle Davis nominated Duke Homes. Founded by Mike Duke nearly four decades ago with one employee, it now has a team of 21. The company is recognized as one of Indianapolis's leading custom builders due to its commitment to employees and community service.

Jenny Watson founded The Elderberry Co. less than ten years ago when she started making elderberry syrup for her son’s health benefits. Her business grew from social media sharing to a storefront in New Albany and online sales. Now employing 16 people, it offers 40 products focused on wellness.

Finalists included Connor Painting from Indianapolis; Nuway Construction from Goshen; and O’Mara Foods from Greensburg. Each showed significant achievements in business longevity, expansion efforts, or community involvement.

Semi-finalists for Small Business of the Year included A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Services from Indianapolis; Master Rental in Bloomington; AAA Concrete Services from New Albany; Lithotone from Elkhart; and Braden Business Systems in Fishers.

The event was supported by various sponsors including Thompson Thrift as presenter for Chamber Day at the Statehouse and Charter Spectrum TV/Internet/Voice sponsoring the luncheon.