Hive of the Ozarks wins small-biz prize from Intuit, Mailchimp

Hive of the Ozarks has been recognized with a small-business honor and cash prize by Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU) and Mailchimp.

The 501(c)(3) from Willard was selected as one of three organizations nationwide to receive a $20,000 prize in Intuit and Mailchimp's Small Business Hero Day contest, according to a news release. Intuit is the owner of Mailchimp, along with QuickBooks, TurboTax, Mint and Credit Karma.

"When you’re a business owner, the work can feel never-ending. Seeing the positive impact The Hive has on my employees and our entire community, though, is so rewarding," said Melissa Skaggs, director of Hive of the Ozarks, in the release. "This recognition from QuickBooks and Mailchimp means everything to me. We’ll be able to expand our hours and the products we’re offering and bring on more staff."

Hive of the Ozarks earlier this year opened The Hive, a Willard cafe designed to serve as a community hub and career launch pad for people with developmental disabilities.

Officials with Intuit and Mailchimp additionally pointed to Hive of the Ozarks' work to be fully green, as the organization produces zero waste and donates food scraps to a local farmer to feed animals, according to the release.

The other organizations recognized were Tree House Craft Coffee & Frozen Yogurt in Houston, Texas, and Ray’s Millpond Cafe in Ray City, Georgia.

“The stories of these small businesses and the hundreds more who were nominated are truly inspiring and showcase the best of what small businesses are all about – serving their communities,” said Alex Chriss, executive vice president and general manager of Intuit's small-business and self-employed group, in the release. “Two-thirds of consumers say small businesses are the lifeblood of their community and 7 in 10 say they want their local small businesses to get more recognition, so we’re thrilled to be able to recognize three very deserving small businesses through QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Day.”