This week, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the National Small Business Week (NSBW) 2024 Award Winners, comprised of business owners, lending partners, and advocates who embody the grit and determination that power our nation’s economy and ensure disaster-impacted communities can recover. This year’s NSBW will take place April 28-May 4, 2024.
“Our 2024 National Small Business Week award winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment, and the SBA is proud to showcase their incredible achievements and impact on their communities and our economy,” said Administrator Guzman. “National Small Business Week is the nation’s opportunity to lift up the amazing entrepreneurs, small business advocates, local partners, advisors, lenders, and investors who support America’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
Area Winners
Three West River businesses were named 2024 SBA South Dakota Small Businesses of the Year Awardees:
Women Owned Small Business of the Year: Julie Wingen, Pain & Movement Solutions, Belle Fourche
Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year: Monika & Peter Johncour, Timber Ridge Campground, Keystone
Small Business Exporter of the Year: Tim & Vivian Houghton, H-S Precision, Rapid City
“National Small Business Week is an opportunity each year for SBA and our vast network of economic partners to showcase top performers in the small business space,” said Jaime Wood, SBA South Dakota District Director. “Our network works diligently to ensure there’s equity and access to opportunity for small businesses across South Dakota. This year’s Small Businesses of the Year recipients are a wonderful representation of backgrounds and varieties of industries that comprise South Dakota’s nearly 90,000 small businesses – both urban and rural.”
As part of NSBW, a Small Business Government Contracting and Exporting Seminar is scheduled for April 30, 2024, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Black Hills State University campus in Box Elder. An awards presentation for NSBW SBA SD recipients is included in the event. The public may register for the event at: 2024 Small Business Week Contracting & Exporting Seminar.
The SBA South Dakota District Office and partner network will host a virtual SBA SD 2024 Small Businesses of the Year Ceremony, featuring statewide awardees, on May 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. (CT). The public may join the event at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86523210477?pwd=rqy3B9fqUmrwyu80zKYQGMbX8u0KO3.1.