Business Brief: Brandon resident named SBA's 'Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year'
Eight small businesses in South Dakota are being honored for National Small Business Week, and few of this year’s winners hail from the Sioux Falls area.
Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country to their community leadership and achievements. This year’s National Small Business Week is April 30-May 6.
The SBA South Dakota District Office has selected outstanding recipients in eight different categories.
“With approximately 90,000 South Dakota small businesses, the competition is robust,” Jaime Wood, SBA SD district director, said in a press release. “The 2023 awardees have demonstrated year after year they have the business leadership skills to navigate their organizations and teams to excellent customer service, sales, and community support.”
The following are the 2023 award recipients for South Dakota:
Small Business Persons of the Year: Denise Cotter and Michelle Marino, co-chief executive officers of Houndstooth House, Sioux Falls
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Todd Stone, Stone Group Architects - Sioux Falls
Small Business Exporter of the Year: Alisa Turner, Ruff Land Performance Kennels - Tea
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: The Willard Family, CAW Industries - Rapid City
Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: Dan Duenwald, Dan Duenwald Transportation - Clark
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Tia Berens, The Barn at Aspen Acres - Spearfish
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Fallon Deutsch, Distinctly Drey - Langford
Small Business Champion of the Year: Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje - Rapid City
This is the 60th year of National Small Business Week since former President John F. Kennedy started it in 1963. The public is able to nominate businesses each fall prior to the annual celebration.
“We’re excited to bring these small businesses forward, to honor their dedication and perseverance,” Wood said.
The SBA will hold a virtual ceremony to honor the recipients on May 2 at 11 a.m. CT. The public is invited to join online.
