SBA North Florida District Office Announces Local Honorees for National Small Business Week 2026
Jacksonville Florida— The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Florida District Office announced local honorees for National Small Business Week (NSBW), which will take place this year from May 3-9. Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, as well as U.S. districts and territories. Those who were selected to win national awards will be honored in Washington, D.C. on May 3 at the SBA National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony.
National Awards Winners
Small Business Development Center SBDC of the Year: North Florida University of Central Florida UCF SBDC
Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award: Florida VBOC Veterans Business Outreach Center
State Awards Winners
North Florida District Small Businessperson of the Year: Douglas Fournier, Sunshine Rail Services, Palatka Florida
North Florida District Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year: Ryan Clark, Code Ninjas, St. Augustine, Florida
North Florida District Blue Collar Small Business of the Year: Lyle Cummings, Hotspray Industrial Coatings, Inc.
North Florida District Woman Owned Small Business of the Year: Barbara Parham, Artistic Talent group, Orlando, Florida
North Florida District Rural Small Business of the Year: Stephanie Gaither, Gator Bait Sports Bar and Grill, Melrose, Florida
District Award Winners
North Florida District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: EZ Automation Systems, Jacksonville, Florida
“During National Small Business Week, SBA is honored to recognize the job creators, builders, and innovators who fuel our nation’s economy and anchor communities across America,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This year, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are highlighting the historic America First agenda that is driving growth, opportunity, and strength for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America’s small businesses – and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street.”
Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy. This year, small businesses in Florida and across the nation are benefitting from a host of new pro-growth incentives introduced as part of the America First agenda – including historic deregulation, fair trade, and Working Family Tax Cuts that have already restored opportunity and investment on Main Street. Today, small business optimism is above its 52-year average.
“Through the leadership of President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler we have witnessed incredible changes, growth and opportunity for the entrepreneurs located across the Southeast Region,” said SBA Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa. “We are excited to celebrate the strength and commitment of this year’s National Small Business Week winners, and we look forward to honoring each of their contributions during celebrations occurring across the region during National Small Business Week. Congratulations to each of the selected winners and thank you for trusting SBA as a collaborator to scale your small business or organization to new heights.”
“Access to capital remains critical for small businesses to start, grow, and thrive. In FY2025, the SBA North Florida District Office delivered a record-breaking year, guaranteeing more than $1.19 billion in lending across 1,919 loans—an increase of 21 percent over FY2024. This historic performance helped create over 15,800 new jobs across our region, while also having meaningful impact on key priorities, including an 11 percent increase in rural lending and a 35 percent increase in international trade financing. We are grateful for the dedication of our lending partners who continue to expand access to capital and fuel economic growth throughout North Florida. Congratulations to our top lenders for their outstanding commitment to serving our small business community,” said Jonel Hein, SBA North Florida District Director.
In addition to recognizing award winners, the SBA North Florida District Office will host events throughout National Small Business Week to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed.
Details on National Small Business Week, the award winners, and the virtual summit 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 are identifiable by searching #SmallBusinessWeek.