Tessa Greenspan

The recipient of this Award is a woman who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and business skills. All qualified nominees for this Award are the owner or CEO of a 51% woman-owned business, with a minimum of 5 full-time employees and annual revenues of $1 million or more for the past fiscal year. 

The winner of this Award, Tessa Greenspan, is the owner of Sappington International Farmer’s Market in St. Louis. She didn’t originate her business, she took on a discard that had been left behind by its former owners who were happy to see it close down. Out of a strong commitment to her community, for whom the business was a central and important part of their lives, she resolved to do whatever it took to keep hope, and the enterprise, alive. She gave it all she had, including her savings. She even mortgaged her home to pay off the $400,000 idebt she inherited. Her vision and passion for what she has created are without question or parallel. 

Her devotion to others has been integral to her operations as well.  She has created a climate that is welcoming and supportive of children, always looking for ways to educate and empower them.  She has never forgotten that she did not get where she is alone, and ceaselessly helps others to achieve success as well. Recognized on the local and national levels for her community service, her company makes donations to a different local charity each month, giving them an opportunity to raise awareness about their work in the process.

She has been richly rewarded for her efforts, receiving numerous awards such as: Small Business Association’s Person of the Year, Blue Chip Enterprise Award, Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur Award, Excellence in Business/Against All Odds Award (We think she defined the category for that one!), Business Advocate of the Year Award, Entrepreneurial Star Award and just this January, Woman of the Year Award from the Women Grocers’ Association.

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