Jackie Jackson, proprietor of Kilwins, was recently named the small-business person of the year for Illinois by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Great Lakes division. This accolade is in recognition of her remarkable achievements as an entrepreneur despite facing numerous challenges.
In spite of initial hurdles, Jackson’s determination and persistence paved the way for her to build her successful business, Kilwins. Her success didn’t go unnoticed and her recognition as the small-business person of the year serves as a beacon to other entrepreneurs in Illinois.
Jackson started her entrepreneurial voyage with a Kilwins chocolate store in Andersonville. Through unyielding perseverance, she achieved resounding success, earning her this esteemed award. This prestigious event was attended by her family and authorities, including SBA regional administrator Geri Aglipay.
As the award recipient, Jackson now finds herself in the company of past winners such as Ben and Jerry’s, Callaway Golf, and Chobani. The award underscores the potential of small businesses to achieve nationwide recognition and serves as an exemplar for future small business owners.
This highly-regarded award serves as a beacon of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, presenting proof that commitment to excellence can transform a small undertaking into a brand recognized across the nation.
Illinois entrepreneur’s journey to prestigious award
The accolade serves as a testament to the immense potential small businesses like Jackson’s possess for achieving great success, providing motivation for others to follow in her footsteps.
The award presentation took place during National Small Business Week, a time that emphasizes the importance of the approximately 33.5 million small businesses across the U.S. Illinois alone saw over 543,000 applications for new businesses in 2021, reflecting the thriving entrepreneurial environment.
Today, Jackson operates five Kilwins stores in Chicago with a team that grown from 10 to 75. The brand, which originated as a chocolate and ice cream shop in Michigan in 1947, has flourished under her leadership over the past decade. Jackson’s leadership exemplifies that growth and expansion are possible with effective management and meticulous planning.
In addition to operating the Kilwins stores, Jackson is preparing to open a Fatburger franchise in Chatham in partnership with influential NBA players and the managing partner of A.D.T.J. Development. All of this, despite the loss of her mother in 2006, which propelled her into the business world and led her to open her first franchise. Jackson, a former teacher with a master’s degree in education, demonstrates that there are no limitations to success with dedication and hard work.
The journey Jackson embarked on is a magnificent example of resilience and determination, proving that sorrow can powerfully transform into a motivator. With her sights set on an iconic brand like Fatburger, Jackson is all geared up to make an even greater impact on her community and inspire subsequent generations of entrepreneurs.
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