Each year, as part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they work to grow small businesses, create 21st-century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. In recognizing the changing face of America, the SBA’s National Small Business Week awards honor individuals and businesses that reflect our Nation’s rich diversity.
As part of the SBA’s Office of International Trade leadership, I have the privilege of helping small businesses enter the international marketplace and selecting the National Exporter of the Year. This year, Georgia-based Spectrum International Group was named the 2024 National Exporter of the Year. A specialty manufacturer of contact lenses and glasses, President & Founder Felipe Arroyave started the company in 2017 after immigrating here from Colombia. Today, after leveraging State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funds, he now employs 27 people and exports to over 60 countries.
In addition to our national winner, we are pleased to take the time to recognize the outstanding achievements of our winners at the regional level from across the country.
- New England Region: Diamond Antenna and Microwave Corporation. A Littleton, Massachusetts-based provider of radio frequency (RF) rotary joints and rotating subsystems that utilized State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funds.
- Atlantic Region: Rovira Biscuit Corporation & Rovira Foods, Inc. A Puerto Rico-based cracker manufacturing and distribution company that used Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) assistance and loan forgiveness provided by the SBA.
- Mid-Atlantic Region: Bon Tool Company. A Gibsonia, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of professional-grade construction tools and equipment that utilized STEP grant funds.
- Great Lakes Region: Haltec Corporation. A Salem, Ohio-based manufacturer of specialized tire valve systems, that utilized STEP grant funds.
- Great Plains Region: Rocklin Manufacturing. A Sioux City, Iowa-based portable industrial electronics products manufacturing and distribution company that utilized STEP grant funds.
- Rocky Mountain Region: Big Lost Meadery LLC. A Gillete, Wyoming-based company specializing in handmade honey alcohol that utilized STEP grant funds.
- Pacific Region: KILI Medical Drain Carrier. A San Luis Obispo, California-based company assisting patients during recovery from surgery by supplying Drain Carrier that received SBA Small Business Loan in 2017.
- Pacific Northwest Region: Morgan Cosmetics. An Issaquah, Washington-based purveyor of organic face, hair, skin, and nail care line that utilized STEP grant funds.
This year’s applicant pool included a truly diverse set of founders, industries, and exporting expertise. It is my pleasure to lead an office that played even a small role in helping these winners - and many other current and future entrepreneurs - pursue the American Dream.
Want to learn how you can go global too? Contact a local representative from the Office of International Trade or visit www.sba.gov/international now.