TIFTON — Cole’s Cakery has been named Georgia’s Rural Small Business of the Year.

Owners Jim and Jennifer Cole got into the baking business in 2013, making handmade cakes in their home.

When the workload became too much to manage there, they moved in 2018 into an official shop in Downtown Tifton, where they’ve continued to serve cakes, cupcakes, casseroles and ice cream to the city to this day.

Their dedication to their business and stellar service to their customers has paid off this year with recognition as among Georgia’s best small businesses for 2023 by the SBA.

The pair traveled to Atlanta to receive their award in person May 4, where they were recognized among other small business owners from across the state and treated to a luncheon courtesy of the SBA and Georgia Lenders Quality Circle.

Jim Cole admitted that in applying for the award, he’d mistakenly assumed it would only be for rural southern Georgia, making the announcement of his bakery’s designation as the best rural small business statewide was a pleasant surprise.

“I put (the application) in and thought, ‘Nothing’s going to come from this … it was a fun exercise, answering these questions.’” he said. “And then I think we got an email about a month ago saying, ‘Congratulations!’”

The Coles have reported while they have never focused their business on gaining fame or fortune, they are appreciative of the award and recognition, considering it a showing of goodness from God.

“Messages have been coming in from friends and customers talking about how excited they are for us,” Jennifer Cole said. “How it’s nice to be recognized for a good job.”

Cole’s Cakery, 137 Love Ave., is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, and can be contacted at (229) 396-5565.