Business brief: Alaska small business owners recognized by SBA

Alaskan Small Business Owners from across the state were recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office in conjunction with National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4.

According to a press release, the U.S. President issues a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week each year, following a tradition dating back to 1963.

SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of America's economic engine and the realization of the American Dream for millions of entrepreneurs. National Small Business Week is an opportunity to loudly and proudly celebrate their achievements and the essential contributions they make to communities across the country," SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman stated in the press release. "The Biden-Harris administration is committed to investing in America, and, at the SBA, that starts with providing critical supports for our entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since 2021, nearly 12 million Americans applied to start new businesses, with women and people of color doing so at the highest rate. The SBA is committed to creating a level playing field that gives these innovators and job creators the tools and opportunities they need to prosper.”

Below are the 2024 SBA Alaska District Office winners:

The Waterworks owner Kali C Bennett (SBA Alaska Small Business Persons of the Year), Coldfoot Environmental Services, Inc owner Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez (Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award), Jill Shari Ramiel (SBA Alaska Woman in Business of the Year), Green Gorilla Movers owner Dacia Smith (Minority Small Business of the Year Award), and Triverus, LLC owner Hans Vogel (Exporter Small Business of the Year Award).

For more information, visit sba.gov

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com