SBA’s 2025 National Small Business Week Will Take Place May 4-10

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its list of state and territory Small Business Persons of the Year ahead of this year’s National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will kick off the week with a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where she will name the National Small Business Person of the Year before embarking on a national small business roadshow. Over the course of the week, she will visit four cities to highlight the impact, economic contributions and importance of small business owners in communities across the nation.“For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has honored the risk takers, innovators and job creators who are the backbone of the American economy,” Administrator Loeffler said. “I congratulate the more than 50 state and territory winners on their recognition and look forward to this week of education and appreciation for entrepreneurship – as we highlight the small business owners who fuel prosperity, growth, and opportunity in communities across our country.”After the Washington, D.C., ceremony on May 5, which will crown the National Small Business Person of the Year and other national award winners, Administrator Loeffler plans to visit Boise, Idaho; Phoenix, Ariz.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Hartford, Conn. While on the road, she will meet with local entrepreneurs, lenders and other community leaders to share SBA’s mission of empowering job creators, delivering disaster relief and driving economic growth. Along with the awards and roadshow, National Small Business Week is slated to feature a two-day virtual summit, community events across the country honoring small businesses, educational sessions featuring key topics such as manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and renowned speakers.  State and territory awardees in consideration for the National Small Business Person of the Year and runner-up include:Alabama: Kimberly Lewis, ProjectXYZ Inc., HuntsvilleAlaska: Christine Hopkins, ASCI Federal Services LLC, AnchorageArizona: Virginia Saldivar, Metro Accounting and Professional Services, GoodyearArkansas: Kimberly Stinson, Lil Lions Daycare LLC, BismarckCalifornia: Qais Salem Alkurdi, HQE Systems, TemeculaColorado: Larisa Hegenbarth, Novastar, EnglewoodConnecticut: Michelle Nicholson, The Flour Girl Bakery Cafe, HebronDelaware: Alison Schuch, Tangerine Goods, Bethany BeachDistrict of Columbia: Craig Williams, Cyber Synergy Consulting Group LLCFlorida: Benjamin Nagengast, Point Summit, LargoGeorgia: Patrick Wells, Piedmont Landscape Management, Augusta Guam: Robert Salas II, Pacific Federal Management Inc., TumonHawaii: Pamela Cariaga, P&S Plumbing LLC, Kailua-KonaIdaho: Patrick Buchanan, Buchanan Insurance and Financial Services Inc., HaileyIllinois: Eric Cup, Bridgewater Studios, ChicagoIndiana: Sudhansu (Sam) Yadav, Quest Safety Products Inc., IndianapolisIowa: Jamie Jackson, Jake Oakland and Joni Campidilli, Percival Scientific Inc., Perry Kansas: Cang Quoc Phu and Tuan Lai, QuikTek Machining LLC, WichitaKentucky: Crinda Francke, ExecuTrain Corp., LexingtonLouisiana: Ronald “Rocky” Ortego III, Red Bison Services LLC, KennerMaine: Carrie Gervais and Jennifer Cousins, Stepping Stones Montessori School, ChelseaMaryland: Jaqueline Lopez, Premier Enterprise Solutions, Upper MarlboroMassachusetts: Pablah Ferraz Schwartz-Linhares, Fresscafe Inc., FraminghamMichigan: Greg McArthur and Shelly McArthur, NTL Industries, Sterling HeightsMinnesota: Beth Benike, Busy Baby, OronocoMississippi: David Kittrell and Karen Kittrell, Kittrell's Industrial and Supply, PetalMissouri: Tamara Keefe, Clementine’s Creamery, St. LouisMontana: Jerry Stroot, Superior Meats Inc., SuperiorNebraska: Joseph Hodges Jr., Lion’s Gate Security Solutions Inc., OmahaNevada: Kristen Corral-Marin, Carlos Corral-Marin, Dan Simmons and Regina Simmons, Tacotarian, Las VegasNew Hampshire: Tanya Lawson, Inbloom Health and Medispa, LondonderryNew Jersey: Nichole Ann Bryson, FT Mobility LLC, Saddle BrookNew Mexico: Victor D'Andrea and Jeffrey Giangiuli, TechSource Inc., Los AlamosNew York: Melissa Baidme, C.K. Natural Fruit Juice, LLC, WestfieldNorth Carolina: Mamie Hoffer and Jason Futrell, Hoffer Flow Controls Inc., Elizabeth CityNorth Dakota: Dee Decimus, All Embrace Home Caring, Grand ForksOhio: Victor Omar D’Angelo, Barroluco LLC, ColumbusOklahoma: Shawn Collins, Sisemore & Associates, TulsaOregon: Tadd Mick, Tradewinds Charters, Depoe Bay  Pennsylvania: Sheree Beth Thomas, SB Thomas & Associates Inc., PittsburghPuerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Yoel Rivera Santos, Ultimate Solutions Corp., Caguas, P.R.Rhode Island: Kaitlyn Roberts, Easy Entertaining Inc., ProvidenceSouth Carolina: Michael Haldeman, SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop, SummervilleSouth Dakota: Tara Olson, Valley Ag Supply Inc., GayvilleTennessee: Reggie Polk, Polk & Associates Construction Inc., BrentwoodTexas: Gabe Wander, Wander Staffing, AustinUtah: Alfonso Porras, Sir Walter Candy Corp., South Salt LakeVermont: Christopher Swasey, Lewis Creek Builders, Essex JunctionVirginia: Donald Mills, Mills Marine and Ship Repair, SuffolkWashington: Courtni Doherty and Stephen Doherty, Circle Creek Therapy PLLC, AuburnWest Virginia: Cathy Jo Higgins, The Developmental Advantage LLC, CharlestonWisconsin: Mark Bula and Shawn Bula, Signature Farms II LLC, Grand MarshWyoming: Lauren Heerschap, Brunton International LLC, RivertonDetails on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, registrations and speakers are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek.  # # #About the U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. SBA Media TeamU.S. Small Business [email protected]