Stop What You’re Doing And Go And Vote For One Of Your Favorite Small Businesses Available on Amazon

It's time to shine the spotlight on small businesses.

What are you doing right now? OK, well stop it! 'Cause you need to go do your civic duty and vote in the *first-ever* Amazon Small Business Spotlight Awards.

You've probably already seen and shopped the great products from small businesses on Amazon (and if you haven't already, you should!). But for the first time you get to help spotlight the brands and decide who receives the prize package that includes six months of dedicated Amazon account management, Sponsored Products advertising credits, promotion on Amazon.com, and a trip to Amazon’s Seattle headquarters.

You can cast your vote here 'til Nov. 8!

There are 18 shortlisted nominees in three categories: Small Business of the Year, Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year, and Small Business Owner Under 30. Lots of great choices, lots of great shoppable items, what's not to love?

But first, let's learn more about the nominees for Small Business of the Year:

1. Ayoba-Yo makes snacks based on the founders' South African heritage. Their grass-fed biltong is naturally tender and easy to chew.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have been lucky to visit South Africa a few times in my life. What is not lucky is coming home to the United States and craving biltong. Biltong is a magical, sugar-free, barely processed jerky and once you try it, you will never want to eat American beef jerky again. Biltong made in South Africa cannot be imported to the States, which is probably the saddest thing ever. I have searched for the perfect recreation of what I have eaten while road-tripping through the Karoo, and I haven't found anything that can match it. Until I got this Ayoba-Yo Biltong delivered to my door yesterday. My search is over. Ayoba-Yo is a match to the biltong in my memories. The meat is sliced thin and perfect for snacking. It is fresh, doesn't contain any gross preservatives, and the flavors are the perfect traditional blend. Try this biltong and make the switch, you won't be disappointed!" —Louisa Hoffman

Cast your vote for Ayoba-Yo here.

2. Baking Steel Company creates preseasoned (with their proprietary oil) pizza stones out of steel, turning your regular ol' home oven into the pizza-making tool of your dreams.

Amazon

Promising review: "OH MY GOD! I finally feel like I am getting the pizzas at home that I've only dreamed about making! We love, love, love this thing! We are still experimenting to master the dough texture we like, and I have learned that it's best to preheat for at least 30 minutes for the best results. Even dough that is paper-thin (using parchment paper was essential), came out with a cracker-thin crust! We are crazy about wood-fired oven pizza and this baking steel opened up a whole world of pizza making possibilities for us!" —Amazon Customer

Cast your vote for Baking Steel Company here.

3. Damhorst Toys & Puzzle Inc. has been making personalized wooden toys for nearly 50 years. Their handmade pieces will quickly become heirlooms for every generation in your family.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have been buying this product for many years. My daughters each have one that they received about 35-40 years ago. I have purchased one for each one of my seven grandchildren. I have purchased one my friends' children. I have also recommended this company to many friends. The children love them and use them for many years. My daughters still use theirs when a stool is needed. Definitely a gift that lasts a lifetime!!" —PJ

Cast your vote for Damhorst Toys & Puzzle Inc. here.

4. EcoBark Pet Supplies was born from an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to help reduce plastic waste and carbon use. Their no-pull dog harness is made from recycled water bottles — in fact, their products are made from recycled water bottles or bamboo.

Amazon

Promising review: "Fantastic! I wish I would have found this product two years ago! I have cattle dog mix rescues. My female, Tiwi, stresses so badly on leash; she completely flips out. I tried four or five different 'no-pull' products, watched countless videos, enrolled her in classes...all to no avail. I felt bad leaving her behind while I took her brother, Taz, on fabulous walks and hikes. The Luxurious Comfort Dog Harness arrived two days ago. Since then, I've taken both dogs on long walks, including an extended hike. Tiwi didn't pull a bit. She's like a completely different dog on leash with the harness! The product fits so perfectly thanks to the measurement recommendations. I'm not overstating it when I say this product is life-changing for Tiwi and me! Thank you!" —Juliann A.

Cast your vote for EcoBark Pet Supplies here.

5. Nutpods makes delicious coffee creamer. They use both coconuts and almonds to create their rich, creamy flavors.

Amazon

Promising review: "I've always been a heavy cream in my coffee person and in recent times have had to face the reality that I need to eliminate dairy from my diet. I tried making a bulletproof-style coffee, but I like having several cups of coffee as a pleasurable drinking ritual or even as part of a social setting so finding Nutpods has been nothing less than amazing! I have even discovered that it whips really well (warm or cold) to allow me the option of lattes. I have tried all the flavors — the seasonal pumpkin one is great and I look forward to future limited-edition options. We just recently have been using the original flavor to make hot cocoa, SO good!" —Theresa Diulus

Cast your vote for Nutpods here.

6. Ravenox is helping bring manufacturing back to the US with the production of everything from horse and pet supplies to hammocks and ropes — yes, ropes!

Amazon

Promising review: "After having a hip replacement a few years ago, it was impossible for me to sleep comfortably in a bed. The support I got for my hip was incredible on this hammock and I could sleep finally through an entire night!! When they say 100% soft cotton they do mean soft. I love this new hammock. The size, color, softness, workmanship, and quality of materials are superb in every way. I couldn’t have asked for more and neither could my cats. Instead of having one cat sleeping with me in the new hammock, I now have two!! Every night now and they fight for position!! I guess that means this hammock is also 'CAT APPROVED.'" —Gwen Livet

Cast your vote for Ravenox here.

And for our next awards category, learn more about the nominees for Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year:

7. 1818 Farms is a working farm and educational site with Babydoll sheep and community educational resources. *Plus* they produce handcrafted bath and beauty products with simple ingredient lists that you can snag at affordable prices.

Amazon

Promising review: "Cannot say enough great things about this creme. Originally bought this because of the smell, the lavender is soft enough that I can wear another perfume/scent and it's not overpowering. I attribute my lack of stretch marks at 35 weeks to the twice daily use of 1818 Farms Shea Creme. It's lightweight, but still can be a bit greasy for some, but I wanted something hydrating, especially being pregnant in the bitter cold and dryness of winter. I highly recommend." —Shawna A.

Cast your vote for 1818 Farms here.

8. EazyHold is an adaptable silicone aid invented by three sisters to help people with limited dexterity enjoy daily tasks like gardening, cooking, and other handsy activities. It has several grip types that comfortably fit onto wrists. In short, that means getting a hold of objects is easier!

Amazon

Promising review: "These are awesome!! My 9-year-old son who lives with cerebral palsy uses these for self feeding. We have not been able to find good left-handed utensils but these allow us to adapt anything. I like that they come with several different size options. We have used them with forks, crayons, cups, toothbrushes, and still counting." —MaryEllen

Cast your vote for EazyHold here.

9. Nerdbugs LLC has cheery, adorable plush organs that combine the maker's passion for puns and teaching about the human body. Seriously, how cute is this heart?!

Amazon

Promising review: "The heart plushie came in quick and was exactly what we needed in the STEAM Lab. I teach STEAM to kindergarten to fourth-grade students and we were doing a human body unit in first grade. They adored our new little friend!" —Alicia S.

Cast your vote for Nerdbugs LLC here.

10. Obia Naturals offers up vegan hair products with natural ingredients inspired and developed after the founder had a cancer scare. So if you're in the pursuit of more manageable hair without a list of ingredients you've never heard of, this might be the brand for you!

Amazon

Promising review: "Provides my 4c hair with hold and moisture. It holds in the Austin humidity and heat. I mostly wear twists year-round using this product. I've worn twist outs a few times with this and they held for days." —Aisha

Cast your vote for Obia Naturals here.

11. Soul Insole's founder has a background in orthotic design, kinesiology, and biomechanics, which results in a range of products like the well-reviewed micro-size orthotic insole. Plus there are washable designs so neither discomfort nor unpleasant wafts will cross your mind.

Amazon

Promising review: "I have had issues with plantar fasciitis for the past six months or so and these have helped more than ANYTHING else that I have tried thus far. They also are so much easier than a full insole. These things have saved my feet! I have been wearing them for about a month and they have completely changed my foot/heel pain. If you are having issues with plantar fasciitis you need to try these ASAP." —Dain Bigs

Cast your vote for Soul Insole here.

12. Ultimation Industries, LLC specializes in made in the USA products for conveyor and material handling and has a sales team that's 70% female.

Amazon

Promising review: "This product was used for a DIY project to make it easier to load my boat when I’m alone. Performed above expectations." —Charles Faulkner

Cast your vote for Ultimation Industries, LLC here.

And lastly, learn more about the nominees for Small Business Owner Under 30:

13. Bedtime Bulb creates light bulbs with less blue and green light in an attempt to be less disturbing to sleep.

Amazon

Promising review: "You can actually leave this light on in the room while you sleep. Melatonin is what makes us sleepy. And blue light keeps us from making melatonin. Some light bulbs appear red but really have a fair amount of blue in them that our eyes' rods cannot​ see, but the ganglion cells in our eyes do see. There has been a fair amount of research on this: Google, 'ipRGC' 'Melanopsin' 'photoentrainment.' This bulb is much better than a night light because it is bright enough to use as a light during the daytime. I've had this for about a week and I plan to place them all around the house and leave them on, so at night there is always some light, but never the color that can keep you awake." —Business Traveler

Cast your vote for Bedtime Bulb here.

14. Joe Chocolate Co. started when a couple of (very nice) friends wanted to send a bud a lil' taste of home while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Enter Seattle espresso–infused dark chocolate in travel-friendly packaging. But we won't tell on you if you eat this bark variety pack in the great indoors.

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Promising review: "All flavors are fantastic and I'm officially addicted. I try to keep a few extra bags on hand (hidden so my husband and I don't eat them all), they make the best 'thank you' or 'just because' gift that always sparks a conversation and the biggest smiles. I look forward to seeing/tasting what's next for Joe Chocolate in Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington. Cheers!" —Jessi K Peterson

Cast your vote for Joe Chocolate Co. here.

15. Habit Nest is trying to reinvent the learning process. Their journals are filled with a mix of prompts to help you make the changes you want in your life. It's tangible with no fluff and can help you build self-awareness and self-discovery.

Amazon

Promising review: "This journal is REVOLUTIONARY! I have spent most of my adult life trying to enhance and improve the quality of my life. This journal created a unique shift that made it work. The pressure was off to be perfect immediately, it encouraged continuous improvement, and incorporates tools from authors that are experts in their fields (some of which I was familiar). This breathed new life into my journal work. Now I will admit, I jumped in so fast, that it was not until day 5 or 6 that I felt my dates were wacky and I had misunderstood something, but after a few more days with my white-out pen, I reached out to customer service and to my surprise Mikey got back to me, a couple of times, until I was completely clear. That was important to me because it was not something I have ever experienced from any of the growth, development, or self-help products I have purchased over the years, especially for a journal. Although you can make it your own, and follow your own process, it is nice to know the intended process. There is a method to their madness :), and I like it. It has changed my days especially my mornings. Thank you!" —Aussi

Cast your vote for Habit Nest here.

16. Player Ten Games creates casual party games that let you break the ice with new acquaintances, become closer to friends, and produce lots o' laughs. Swap in Brain Freeze for your tired party game and reap the hilarious benefits of finding out what answers your friends will give in this quick-draw card game.

Amazon

Promising review: "Quick, easy to pick up, and FUN party games are in short supply. If you want to play a game that lets you in on some of your friends' histories, starts interesting conversations, and is a blast all and around, this is the one to play. A simple matching concept like Go Fish is all the skill you need to have a blast. As the circle goes around, you'll have friends yelling absurd things that you'll be dying to hear more about." —Erick Jones

Cast your vote for Player Ten Games here.

17. Renova Medical Wear sells clothing basics designed for post-surgery recovery with tear-away snaps on basics like this T-shirt that the founder saw a need for when helping his mother recover from spinal surgery.

Amazon

Promising review: "I bought two of these for my open shoulder surgery recovery. They have made a huge difference as far as comfort in my recovery. I'm a small or medium in women's sizes but I wanted this loose so I ordered medium. It is very comfortable and easy to put on either shoulder. Day 5 and this is all I've been wearing with loose comfortable sweatpants. I can't imagine recovery without this shirt.... It really is perfect. People have questioned me about it... especially at the hospital." —Catherine

Cast your vote for Renova Medical Wear here.

18. Watex focuses on making gardening an accessible pastime — even in the smallest of spaces — thanks to apartment-friendly items like the mobile green wall, which lets you set up a home garden in half an hour!

Amazon

Promising review: "I'm in love with the Watex Mobile Green Wall. I ordered the double set because I have a lot of herbs and this size is perfect for my deck, which is just behind my kitchen door. It's very easy to water and maintain. This would be awesome for apartments as well, especially if you have a balcony." —TnT Dynamic Duo

Cast your vote for Watex here.

Now that you've seen the goods, it's time to cast your vote for your favorite finalist in all three categories in the Small Business Spotlight Awards!

Remember, voting is open through Nov. 8.