Latest news with #SmallBusinessPersonsoftheYear
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Huntsville couple named as Small Business Persons of the Year for Alabama
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A Huntsville small business couple has been named as the Small Business Persons of the Year for Alabama. Kim and Larry Lewis are the owners of PROJECTXYZ, Inc. in Huntsville. In March, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Lewis' were awarded as the Alabama Small Business Persons of the Year! Winners were selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. 'Larry and I are honored to be named Alabama's Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our incredible team. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we are proud to be part of a network of entrepreneurs who drive growth, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders. We look forward to continuing to invest and engage in Alabama's small business landscape,' Kim Lewis said. 'PROJECTXYZ, INC. is a great example of a local small business empowering the state of Alabama's economy,' Janita R. Stewart, SBA Alabama District Director (acting), said. 'In accordance with the SBA's Office of Advocacy's most recent Small Business Profiles, there are more than 449,000 small businesses in Alabama contributing to the state's economy, and business owners like Kimberly and Larry Lewis are helping to lead the way. SBA is proud to recognize The Lewis' as Alabama's 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year!' In addition to this nationally recognized award, three businesses were recognized at the state level. Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Duane Tolbert, Tolbert Insurance Agency, Inc., Oneonta, AL Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Sean Chappell, Southern Sun Laundry, Foley, AL Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Lori Purnell, Spencer Environmental Consultants, LLC, Birmingham, AL 'These awards recognize businesses for their growth in revenues, growth in physical space, in job creation, their resilience through challenges, and/or contributions to their local communities,' the Alabama Small Business Development Network said. PROJECTXYZ, Inc. said all 53 winners were invited to attend ceremonies in Washington D.C. on May 4-5, where they will be honored with their award along with special recognition of the runner-up and the naming of the overall 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year. Since 1971, the U.S. SBA has announced a National Small Business Person of the Year. An Alabama-based company/owner has never won the award. You can learn more about these businesses recognized on the Alabama Small Business Development Network website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mississippi Native Jacqueline Lopez Named SBA's 2025 Maryland Small Business Person of the Year
Mississippi Native Jacqueline Lopez Honored for Business Leadership and Community Impact on a National Stage 'The lessons I learned from my hometown family and community shaped who I am today and continue to inspire the way I lead in business and in service.' — Jackie Lopez, President BRANDON, MS, UNITED STATES, April 10, 2025 / / -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Jacqueline Lopez, President, and her business partner and spouse, Michael Lopez, Chief Operating Officer of Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC (Premier), as Maryland's Small Business Persons of the Year for 2025. This award is a tribute to their distinguished leadership and their unwavering dedication to their community. As an additional honor, Premier was named Suburban Maryland Small Business of the Year by the SBA's Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, recognizing the company's exceptional leadership and contributions to the region's small business community. A proud daughter of Mississippi, Jacqueline (Redd) Lopez was born and raised in Brandon, Mississippi, where she cultivated her passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and service. She is an alumna of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she honed the skills that would later drive her success in the government contracting industry. 'Growing up in Brandon, Mississippi, I experienced the value of hard work, resilience, and community,' said Jacqueline. 'The lessons I learned from my hometown family and community shaped who I am today and continue to inspire the way I lead in business and in service.' Under Jacqueline and Michael's leadership, Premier Enterprise Solutions has emerged as a top provider of innovative technology solutions and intelligence services for government and commercial clients. Their dedication goes beyond achieving business success, as they are personally committed to supporting small businesses, veterans, and educational initiatives. Each year, the Lopezes donate tens of thousands of dollars to educational institutions and non-profit organizations that empower new leaders and support the communities they serve. Premier is also a steadfast advocate for government contractors, driving best practices and industry advancement through partnerships with organizations like the Veterans Institute for Procurement and NCMA Metro DC. In addition to these efforts, Premier remains dedicated to community initiatives such as fundraising to support personalized celebrations for homeless children or providing almost 20K units of personal protective equipment to veterans' organizations and local charities. Jacqueline's deep ties to Brandon, Mississippi, continue to influence her commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. Jacqueline and Michael Lopez will be honored alongside 53 state and territory winners during the SBA's National Small Business Week (NSBW) celebration in Washington, D.C., on May 4–5, 2025. The event will culminate in the announcement of the 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year. About Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC is an information technology and professional services firm dedicated to providing digital transformation, enterprise program management, and mission-critical support to government and commercial clients. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Premier delivers tailored solutions that drive operational efficiency and mission success. Carla Jordan Poindexter Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC +1 202-468-9270
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tacotarian named Nevada's Small Business Persons of the Year
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The 2025 Nevada's Small Business Persons of the Year was awarded to Tacotarian. Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates outstanding achievements of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country. 'There are so many great businesses in Nevada, so many people working so hard. We know we work very, very hard, so it was just an honor for us to be selected when we're competing with so many great people,' Regina Simmons, co-owner of Tacotarian, said. The quadruple business team, consisting of Dan and Regina Simmons and Carlos and Kristen Corral, first opened the restaurant in 2018 with a desire to bring authentic Mexican food with a plant-based twist to the valley. 'A lot of people don't even know that it's plant-based. The food is just that good,' Kristen Corral said. '75% of our customer base doesn't identify as vegetarian or vegan, so we just tell people to leave your labels at the door and come enjoy just delicious food.' The owners mentioned that reaching their current success took hard work, passion, resilience, and support along the way. The U.S. SBA offers resources and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners to help launch, grow, and expand their businesses. 'There's plenty of resources out there through the SBA, through the state, through many different channels,' Dan Simmons said. 'Do your research, find these resources, and be able to capitalize and get your business going.' The Tacotarian team utilized both the SBA's T.H.R.I.V.E. Program and the 7A loan program to start and grow their business, including opening their new location at Miracle Mile Shops. They hope to inspire other aspiring business owners to take the first step to achieving the American dream of business ownership. 'Dream big. Go for it but prepare yourself,' Regina Simmons said. 'Build a business plan. Get the team together. Make sure you're ready before you do that big jump. But don't stop dreaming about it.' The Tacotarian team will travel to Washington D.C. in May where they will be formally recognized for their incredible achievement. There, they will have a chance at winning the national title of Small Business Persons of the Year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
