Honeysuckle Gelato, an Atlanta-based company owned by Khatara Ballard of East Atlanta, Wes Jones of Reynoldstown and Jackson Smith of Buckhead, is a finalist in the website Daily Candy’s third annual Start Small, Go Big contest.

The competition recognizes the most talented and creative up-and-comers in fashion, health and beauty, food and drink, home and digital and tech. In 2011, more than 3,000 entrepreneurs entered, 18 finalists were chosen and six won. This year, Honeysuckle is one of three finalists in the food and drink category, joining Teaologist and What Jew Wanna Eat.

“As the only company selected from the state of Georgia, we hope to represent our home well!” Jones, who along with Smith grew up in the Chastain Park area, said in an email.

According to its website, Honeysuckle started last year when Smith, who in summer 2009 had been making gelato in New York under the guidance of chef Jon Snyder, owner of Il Laboratorio del Gelato, got great response from friends and family in Atlanta when he would bring gelato to Atlanta on visits. He decided to start a gelato business in Atlanta with flavors unique to the South, and got help from Jones and Ballard.

Honeysuckle now includes fun flavors such as Snacks on a Plane (biscoff gelato with peanuts and pretzels), Toasted Marshmallow and The Kang (an ode to Elvis — banana gelato with peanut butter caramel).

Voting in the contest is under way and ends Aug. 24. Residents can vote once a day but must vote for someone in every category for the votes to count. The winners will be announced Sept. 4.

To vote, visit http://www.dailycandy.com/startsmallgobig/index.html.

Information: http://www.honeysucklegelato.com/.