When I found out I’d been chosen as one of Theo Paphitis’ weekly #SBS (Small Business Sunday) winners, I had one of those rare business moments where everything stops for a second and you think: “Wow. Someone really sees what I’m trying to do.”

Running a small business isn’t glamorous. It’s brilliant, fulfilling, exhausting, hilarious and terrifying in equal measure, often all in the same week. So being recognised by someone with Theo’s reach and credibility wasn’t just a badge. It felt like a spotlight, a pause point, and a confirmation: “the work I’m doing matters.”

But this blog isn’t just about celebrating. It’s about what recognition like this means for any small business owner — and how I’m using it to fuel the next stage of growth for my clients, my programmes, and the mission behind the business.

What is the #SBS Award?

Small Business Sunday began in 2010. Every Sunday between 5–7:30pm, thousands of small businesses tag @TheoPaphitis and use the hashtag #SBS to introduce themselves and their work. Each week, Theo chooses six to champion publicly, and when he does, you become part of a powerful network of over 4,000 small business owners, with ongoing support, visibility, and access to resources.

It’s free.
It’s not pay-to-play.
It’s not a “pretty logo for your website”.
It’s recognition — earned by simply showing up and backing what you do.

That’s why it matters

What It Means for Me and My Business

As a business coach, leadership mentor and creator of the Flourish® framework, most of my work happens quietly behind the scenes,  in one-to-one coaching conversations, leadership development programmes, and organisational support that transforms confidence, culture and capability.

So this award feels like a bridge between the impact I see and the visibility the world sees.

Here’s what it means in real terms:

1. Increased credibility (the kind you can feel)

When you’re in a people-based business, trust is everything.
Having an endorsement from a respected business figure sends a signal to potential clients:

“This isn’t just a nice website or a fluffy coaching brand — this work has been noticed, selected, and backed.”

That matters. Especially when most of my clients come to me at pivotal moments — stepping into new leadership, facing imposter syndrome, scaling their business, navigating change

2. Validation of the mission

I’ve always said my mission is to help more than 1,000 people and organisations flourish, not just grow, but flourish in a sustainable, values-driven, confidence-led way.

Sometimes, when you’re in the thick of delivery mode, it’s hard to measure if that mission is landing. This award was a moment of “Yes. Keep going.

3. A bigger platform to amplify women in leadership

A huge part of my work is helping women step up, stand out and own their space in business and leadership.
The #SBS win gives me a bigger audience to champion that — which is why I’m not just celebrating it, I’m building from it

What Clients Say About My Work

Throughout this journey, the most humbling part has always been what clients say — the things they write in emails, say in sessions, or reflect months after the work is done.

Here are just a few, shared anonymously:

“Working with Tracy hasn’t just changed the way I work. It’s changed the way I think, and that’s changed everything.”

“I started coaching feeling like I didn’t really belong in my role. I’m now leading a team of 40, and people come to me for clarity and confidence. That shift is down to Tracy.”

“The transformation has been huge, both personally and for the business. Our culture has shifted. Our performance has improved. And my leadership feels more authentic than ever.”

“I never thought I’d say this, but I no longer feel like an imposter in my own success.”

“I’ve been promoted twice since starting coaching. It’s not luck,  it’s clarity, confidence and accountability.”

This is why I do the work.
And it’s why the next stage is even bigger

Why My Training and Accreditation Matter

Coaching is an unregulated industry — anyone can call themselves a coach. That’s exactly why I’ve always taken professional standards, evidence-based practice and accreditation seriously.

A few things I bring into every coaching relationship and programme:

These aren’t badges for the sake of badges.

They’re the reason clients say things like:

“You don’t just listen and ask questions — you equip me.”
“You connect strategy, psychology and accountability in a way I’ve never experienced before.”
“It’s coaching, mentoring and mindset transformation rolled into one.”

And in a world full of noise, that matters

So… What’s Next After Winning #SBS?

The award is not a finish line — it’s just the start!

Here’s what’s coming next:

A Limited, Launch-Only Coaching Offer

To celebrate the win, I’m opening a one-time coaching offer for women who are ready to step up in leadership, grow in confidence and finally stop playing small.

It will include new bonuses and additional support — and it will be first come, first served.

This coaching has been described as:

“Life changing.”
“The most powerful development experience of my career.”
“Worth every pound — and then some.”

Details will go first to my mailing list. Not social media. Not public.

The Next Phase of Flourish®

Flourish has already evolved into a full leadership and business development model — but now I’m expanding it into:

  • New pillar workbooks + digital tools
  • A refreshed group programme for women in leadership
  • Flourish for Teams (for organisations that want cultural and leadership transformation)
  • A “Flourish Diagnostic” to help leaders assess strengths + development gaps

This is the biggest evolution of Flourish yet, and the #SBS spotlight has already opened doors for new partnerships

A New Subscription Model for My Online Courses

I currently offer 200+ accredited short courses on leadership, management, communication, wellbeing, H&S and more.

Instead of buying them individually, there will be a subscription option:

  • Low monthly cost
  • Saving hundreds of pounds each month
  • New courses added regularly
  • Perfect CPD, employee development and lifelong learning

Why This Award Isn’t Just About Me

If you’re a small business owner reading this, especially a woman juggling self-doubt, ambition, visibility, and the million spinning plates of work and life, here’s the real reason I’m sharing this:

You don’t have to wait until you’re “big enough” to be seen.
You don’t have to have everything perfect to be credible.
You don’t need permission to step forward — but sometimes recognition gives you the nudge.

This award reminded me, and I hope reminds you, that the world is paying attention even when it feels like it isn’t.

Keep showing up.
Keep growing.
Keep backing yourself.

Keep feeling the fear and doing it anyway!

Because visibility follows momentum.

Want First Access to the Coaching Offer, Flourish Updates & Course Subscription?

Join my mailing list and get my weekly email Time to Flourish™ — full of leadership reflection prompts, confidence-building tools and behind-the-scenes updates.

Sign up here: Time to Flourish Newsletter

(And yes — subscribers always get first access, best rates and early announcements.)

If you’ve ever thought, “I know I’m meant for more — I just need the right support,” then now is the moment to get closer, not further away.

I’d love you to be part of what’s coming.

Tracy
Founder | Coach | Business Mentor
Skillslocal® & The Flourish Coach™