U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Indiana District Office Celebrates National Small Business Week May 3 – 9 

INDIANA – The U.S. Small Business Administration kicks off National Small Business Week (NSBW) in Washington D.C. May 3^rd recognizing the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.   Indiana will celebrate with a mix of in-person and virtual small business events designed to open doors, inspire, and invigorate Hoosier entrepreneurs. 

 “Small business is the backbone of the American economy,” said SBA Indiana District Director Stacey Poynter.  They make up 99.4 % of the companies located in our state, support our local communities, and employ almost half of Indiana’s workforce.   

A key component of National Small Business Week are the prestigious and highly competitive SBA National Small Business Week Awards highlighting outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and resource partner organizations from all 50 states and U.S. territories.   Southern Indiana natives Dana & Ted Huber, owners of Huber Winery & Starlight Distillery are the winners of this year’s SBA Indiana Small Business Person of the Year award.  The Huber’s are now competing for the national Small Business Person of the Year prize – that award will be announced by the SBA at NSBW celebrations in Washington D.C May 3 & 4.   

“This year’s National Small Business Week honorees represent the innovation and determination that define Indiana,” said Acting Great Lakes Regional Administrator Brad Zaun. “They are building businesses that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and open new doors of opportunity.” 

Locally, the SBA will recognize the Hubers and other National Small Business Week award winners from Indiana during a luncheon in downtown Indianapolis May 8.  Honorees include: 

• SBA Great Lakes Rural Small Business of the Year – K&K Dirtworks, Evanston 

• SBA Great Lakes Region SBDC Excellence & Innovation Center Award – Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, Indianapolis 

• SBA Indiana Manufacturer of the Year – Olson Custom Designs, Indianapolis 

• SBA Indiana Exporter of the Year – AutoRenu, New Albany 

• SBA Indiana Women’s Business Center of Excellence – Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, Indianapolis 

“At the SBA we’re proud to provide crucial access to the funding and resources entrepreneurs need to grow,” Regional Administrator Zaun said.  “Truthfully, every week is small business week, and during National Small Business Week, we like to turn up the spotlight on entrepreneurial opportunities and achievements.” 

The SBA hosts their annual NSBW Virtual Summit May 5 & 6.  Details and registration can be found at Virtual summit | U.S. Small Business Administration.  Indiana-based NSBW events include: 

• Roadmap to Small Business Fair at Indianapolis’ John Bonner Neighborhood Centers May 4; 

• The Resilient Entrepreneur at the Martindale Brightwood Community Development Center May 6; 

• OMWBD Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway at Indy Motor Speedway May 8. 

All SBA Indiana National Small Business Week events and workshops are free.  Details and registration can be found on sba.gov/in.   

To learn more about SBA Indiana resources, services, and events visit sba.gov/in.  You can also follow us on LinkedIn  @SBA Indiana.   

About SBA National Small Business Week 

For more than 60 years, the SBA has celebrated National Small Business Week recognizing that small business is big business and that entrepreneurs are the trailblazers and builders of America’s economy. NSBW 2026 features events across the country amplifying small business success and connecting entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed in achieving their American dream of small business ownership. 

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.  

Cosponsorship Authorization #26-1-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.