Key Takeaways:
- Nourish + Bloom Market wins the annual AT&T Small Business Contest, which includes a $50,000 prize and access to tools, resources and networks needed to thrive.
- The She’s Connected by AT&T episode featuring A’ja Wilson and Nourish + Bloom Market launched today.
- In this special feature, A’ja joins co-founders Jamie and Jilea Hemmings to highlight the power of community, access and investing in others.
- AT&T Business continues to champion small businesses, unlocking greater possibilities through programs like She’s Connected by AT&T and the AT&T Small Business Contest.
After reviewing over 11,000 submissions and nominations, the winner of the 2025 AT&T Small Business Contest is Nourish + Bloom Market, the first autonomous grocery store with robotic delivery in the U.S and the first AI-powered grocery store to accept EBT/SNAP benefits. AT&T’s program celebrates small business owners, who serve as the pillars of every community.
As the winner, husband-and-wife duo and co-founders, Jamie and Jilea Hemmings, will receive $50,000 to invest in their business, a year of AT&T fiber service for their business location, a new mobile device and access to tools, resources and networks for continued growth. Additionally, they will be featured in a She’s Connected by AT&T episode with A’ja Wilson, WNBA Champion, four-time MVP and founder of Burnt Wax Candle Co, highlighting the power of connection in driving business success.
“Nourish + Bloom Market was chosen as this year’s winner because of how they’re using innovation to foster connection and strengthen community,” said Shelley Goodman, SVP, Mid-Market Sales, AT&T Business. “Their story of combining AI-powered technology to give people access to fresh, healthy meals reflects our mission to connect people to greater possibility. As we celebrate 150 years of connection, their story is a powerful reminder that connecting truly changes everything. Their journey—applying for this program three times—also shows the power of perseverance.”
Meet the AT&T Small Business Contest Winner: Nourish + Bloom Market
Nourish + Bloom Market gained national attention after its Shark Tank debut, showcasing how AI-powered retail can reimagine food accessibility. Their mission to eliminate food deserts and promote health equity began after their oldest son’s autism diagnosis inspired them to make healthy food more accessible for every family.
“Our journey is a testament to perseverance, and we’re grateful for the support and connections we’ve built through the AT&T Small Business Contest,” said Jamie and Jilea Hemmings, co-founders of Nourish + Bloom Market. “While the prize money will help us expand and serve even more people, this experience is about so much more. It’s about the power of connection and what can happen when entrepreneurs come together. When we invest in people and small businesses, possibility multiplies for everyone.”
Nourish + Bloom Market joins AT&T’s 2025 Small Business Contest finalists Bold Crumb House, Sensori, SOJO Coffee Company and The Blueprint University. These finalists were selected for their incredible community impact and their passion for continuing to grow and create meaningful change.
She’s Connected by AT&T: A’ja Wilson
The She’s Connected by AT&T episode featuring A’ja Wilson and Jilea Hemmings marks the end of the fifth season. A’ja was previously featured in Season 3, where she talked about launching her home fragrance brand, Burnt Wax Candle Co, with her mother. In the latest edition, she shares an update on her thriving small business. A’ja also sits down with contest winner Jilea to discuss their shared experiences of working with family, endurance and the power of mentorship.
“This is a walking testimony as to why She’s Connected by AT&T and the AT&T Small Business Contest are so powerful and necessary,” said A’ja Wilson, four-time WNBA KIA MVP, Burnt Wax Candle Co founder and She’s Connected by AT&T athlete. “Communities thrive when sponsors like AT&T connect with small businesses, helping them stay connected not just through technology but through the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.”
This season also featured inspiring stories from Paralympian Scout Bassett and professional soccer players Deyna Castellanos (Portland Thorns) and Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash). Since its launch in 2020, She’s Connected by AT&T has produced 20 episodes that celebrate how entrepreneurs and athletes harness endurance, resilience and connection to spark change, proving that as small businesses grow, so do communities and possibilities for generations to come.
For those interested in applying for AT&T’s 2026 Small Business Contest, applications will open in Spring 2026. To learn more about the contest, the finalists and how to apply go to att.com/shesconnected.
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