Veteran-Led Small Businesses Win Made in America Contest and $75K Prize

Three small businesses with deep ties to military service and community support have won the Made in America contest. The winners—Marilyn’s souvenir shop The contest, backed by JPMorgan Chase and Comcast Business, began with a flood of entries. Judges narrowed the field to ten finalists before announcing the three winners.

Marilyn Burns has run her Lakeside, Ohio shop since 1999. The store funds youth camps and remains a generational gathering spot for local families. Meanwhile, in Aberdeen, North Carolina, Jared Gay—a U.S. Army veteran—founded TGU Home Solutions. His construction firm employs only veterans, helping service members adjust to civilian careers. The third winner, Four Branches Bourbon, is crafted by four friends, each representing a different military branch. Their award-winning spirit blends tradition with camaraderie, reflecting their shared service background. Hanna Panreck reported on the results for FOX Business.

The three businesses will split $75,000 in prize money and gain national exposure through Fox Nation. Their military roots and community impact set them apart in a crowded field of applicants. The contest highlights how small businesses with strong values can thrive across the country.