Small Business Week honors the country’s best

The U.S. Small Business Administration honored America’s top entrepreneurs — including Rockland’s own Gene Cortes—and named the National Small Business Person of the Year — at national ceremonies in Washington, D.C., during Small Business Week, April 23-24. Each year, the two-day celebration honors more than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the nation. They ranged from a sausage maker and wine café, to a beekeeper and dog salon.

“The SBA is proud to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of the men and women who have played such a key role in the success of the economy and the prosperity of our nation,” said SBA Administrator Steven Preston. “I am proud to represent an agency that touches so many people’s lives, not only helping them realize their dreams, but doing so in a way that provides jobs, expands our economy, and supports innovation in our country.”

Every president for 44 years has issued an annual proclamation celebrating Small Business Week State award winners and recipients of the Champion and other special awards are nominated by local trade associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations. During Small Business Week, award winners will meet with top administration officials, members of Congress and leaders of national business organizations.

This annual celebration honoring the nation’s leading small business entrepreneurs is cosponsored by SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” For more information on Small Business Week events, including award winner bios, visit www.sba.gov/sbw. www.rbdigest.com 

Volume 1 Issue 6 • Rockland Business Digest 7