While small, these shops have proven to have big ideas and even bigger ambitions

The winners of our 14th annual Small Agency Awards were culled from a list of more than 400 entries from the U.S. and globally and represent some of the best and brightest agencies today.

The shops that made the grade weren’t chosen just for creative prowess, but also for overall business results, revenue growth and more. The agencies on this list are producing ingenious but effective work and also demonstrate proficiency in a variety of media and a willingness to move into new disciplines including health care or gaming or design. They have a strong culture, including employee benefit and enrichment programs and a focus on diversity.

While small in number of employees, these shops are proven to have big ideas and even bigger ambitions, and can turn out work as good as—or better—than work created by agencies many times their size. They have proven that they are nimble, adaptable and able to compete with the giants.

—Judann Pollack