National Small Business Week recognizes eight small firms in South Dakota, of which few are located in the Sioux Falls region.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) annually recognizes small companies and entrepreneurs for their community leadership and accomplishments. National Small Business Week takes place from April 30 to May 6 this year.
The South Dakota District Office of the SBA has picked deserving winners in eight distinct categories.
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“There are about 90,000 small companies in South Dakota, so competition is fierce,” said Jaime Wood, SBA SD district director, in a press release. “Year after year, the 2023 recipients have proved that they possess the business leadership abilities necessary to guide their firms and teams to superior customer service, sales, and community involvement.”
The following are the South Dakota award honorees for 2023:
- Denise Cotter and Michelle Marino, co-chief executive officers of Houndstooth House in Sioux Falls, were named Small Business People of the Year.
- Small Veteran-Owned Company of the Year: Stone Group Architects – Sioux Falls, Todd Stone
- Alisa Turner, Ruff Land Performance Kennels – Tea, is the Small Business Exporter of the Year. The Willard Family, CAW Industries – Rapid City, is the Family-Owned Small Company of the Year.
- Woman-Owned Small Company of the Year: Tia Berens, The Barn at Aspen Acres – Spearfish Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: Dan Duenwald, Dan Duenwald Trucking – Clark
- Fallon Deutsch, Distinctly Drey – Langford, Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Small Business Champion of the Year: Rapid City’s Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje
This is the 60th year of National Small Business Week, which was established in 1963 by former President John F. Kennedy. Each fall, prior to the annual celebration, the public can propose companies.
Wood stated, “We’re delighted to bring these tiny enterprises to the forefront in recognition of their work and tenacity.”
On May 2 at 11 a.m. Central, the SBA will celebrate the awardees with a virtual ceremony. The public is encouraged to sign up online.