2024 SBA Award Winners
Empowering Excellence
Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2024 SBA Awards for the San Diego & Imperial Counties.
2024 SBA Award Winners
District Director’s Award for SBA Mission Support
Chris Ramos, a San Diego native, embarked on his financial career two decades ago. His journey began at Washington Mutual, followed by a significant tenure at California Bank and Trust. Subsequently, Chris immersed himself in the secondary AR/factoring lending market before joining Enterprise Bank & Trust (EB&T).
Over the years, Chris witnessed the challenges faced by small businesses in their quest for success. Assisting clients in realizing their triumphs reinforced his belief that small businesses are the backbone of society, shaping communities. Now, in his role at EB&T, Chris is positioned to contribute to the support and advancement of small businesses and the community he deeply cherishes. In the past three years, EB&T has funded over $76 million in SBA 7(a) guaranteed loans to businesses in San Diego and Imperial counties, supporting many local SBDC clients and generously donating to community charities. This commitment has established Enterprise Bank & Trust as a vital community asset.
Chris actively engages in community service and support through his involvement in various councils, boards, and non-profit organizations. He serves on the board of directors for Breast Cancer Angels and Gift of Adoption and provides advisory support to Nature Unplugged. Demonstrating a commitment to community welfare, Chris also supports Feeding San Diego, organizes toy drives for Toys for Tots, and donates blood to the San Diego Blood Bank.
His dedication to mentoring and supporting others is evident through his 13-year volunteering stint as a big brother with Big Brother and Big Sister. Chris was matched with his “little” when the latter was just 5 years old, and now, his mentee is a freshman at the University of San Diego.
Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
Traci Cole, a dynamic business professional, demonstrates expertise across a wide spectrum of areas, including marketing strategy, CRM, eCommerce, treasury, product development, sales, lean methodologies, and management consulting. Armed with a mathematics foundation from The University of Michigan, she holds an MBA from the University of Detroit and a Masters of Engineering Management from Northwestern University. Traci has held various managerial and business consulting positions over the years. She also founded and managed her own business, Golden Fibre Bags, LLC for eight years.
As the Director of the SoCal VBOC, Traci, plays a crucial role in supporting the veteran community. Her multifaceted contributions encompass mentorship, resource facilitation, training, community outreach, advocacy, and networking, all aimed at empowering and enhancing the success of the veteran community in the business world. Facilitating networking events, she creates opportunities for veterans to connect with clients, partners, and investors, strengthening their professional networks.
During her initial year as the SoCal VBOC Director, Traci’s impact is evident in assisting VBOC clients with securing over $770,000 in capital, creating 21 jobs, and launching 22 new businesses. Her role at VBOC reflects a dedicated commitment to supporting veterans and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment.
Traci Cole, as a member of the DVBE Advisory Council, actively contributes across diverse domains. Her efforts include raising awareness about the unique challenges and opportunities encountered by veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, she engages in policy advocacy, collaborating closely with government agencies to address policy considerations that significantly impact veterans in the business sector. Traci serves as a key influencer, supporting and championing the entrepreneurial endeavors of the veteran community.
Her unwavering dedication to the future success of veteran entrepreneurs, coupled with her leadership and achievements, solidify her status as a champion of veteran small businesses.
Champion of Diverse Small Businesses
Christiana Russell, an ardent advocate for BIPOC and other underrepresented communities, has bridged the gap between them and government agencies nationally. Her mission is to enhance funding access for BIPOC and other underrepresented nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Through her tireless efforts against financial inequities and engagements with government figures, she’s secured over $1 million for BIPOC and other underrepresented founders and $300k for BIPOC nonprofits in SD. Her networking acumen has connected BIPOC entrepreneurs with invaluable mentors and investors, enabling them to thrive. Through collaborations with community bodies, she’s fostered a solid network to uplift BIPOC and other underrepresented individuals. Additionally, Christiana has amplified the BIPOC and underrepresented organizations’ prominence, leveraging her platform to highlight their impact and integrating them with local influencers and media. This visibility has garnered substantial support, both public and private. Overall, Christiana Russell’s relentless advocacy for BIPOC and other underrepresented groups, nationally, is a testament to her commitment to advancing diversity, inclusivity, equity, and justice. Christiana is being recognized for her authentic and impactful leadership, making her an exemplary “champion” in the business community.
Christiana Russel has dedicated her entire life and career to improving the lives of business owners from underrepresented communities. Her volunteer efforts extend beyond mere professional responsibilities, encompassing a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of African and Latinx business owners. Christiana goes above and beyond personal advancement, demonstrating a genuine desire to enhance conditions in the small business community. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have created a safe community for underrepresented business owners. A standout feature of her recognition is her volunteer efforts to provide professional services to the small business community. Her accomplishments in advising small business groups of opportunities within the broader business community illustrate transformational impact. Christiana’s advocacy for minority representation in the technology sector addresses a long-standing disparity, providing fundamental access to education, mentorship, programming, resources, and, crucially, funding. Her role as a liaison in developing procurement relationships throughout Southern California highlights a proactive approach to facilitating connections between business owners and procurement stakeholders. This fosters collaboration and amplifies the impact of her work in the small business community. Beyond regional boundaries, Christiana’s influence reaches the national stage. Her advocacy in Washington, DC, for policies supporting youth from diverse communities emphasizes a forward-looking perspective. Recognizing the need for systematic change, starting with the youth, she actively volunteers and mentors STEM youth from underserved communities.
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Briana Weisinger, MA, MBA, is being recognize for much more then the significant influence and impact she has had on the San Diego small business community through the work she does at the SDI SBDC. Prior to the SBDC, Weisinger spent 15 years with UCSD and is credited for being the first Startup Advocate, bringing $2M+ to support entrepreneurs, and democratizing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She led high profile entrepreneurship initiatives, developed customized programs for technology assessment and entrepreneurial education, founded the largest university-based entrepreneur conference Ignite @ UC San Diego, and regularly showcased University-based startups to members of the U.S. Congress, City Council and State Assembly as well as at national and international conferences.
Briana has lent her contributions in both her professional and personal life not only in her local community but also on a global scale. She is the founder of such programs as the Student Innovation Ambassador Program, the IDEAS Council, and the von Liebig Internship Program @ UC San Diego. She also co-founded and was VP, of the National Association of Women MBAs – San Diego; and volunteers as a board member of Hera Labs, a female focused business accelerator; raised funds and worked with refugees with Better Days for Moria, Lesvos, Greece; and was a Serv-a-thon Project Manager, recruiting and coordinating 100 volunteers.
Briana Weisinger is relentless in her pursuit to make the world a better place for female professionals and women in leadership. She is truly one of a kind and her brilliancy shines in every endeavor she is involved in. Despite her youthful appearance, her achievements, accomplishments, and humanitarian efforts are so great in number that there is not enough space to list them all and clearly display the magnitude of impact a person can have when they are gifted with the rare combination of intellectual ability and a continuous drive for excellence.
Financial Services Champion of the Year
Juan Carlos Hernandez brings over 30 years of banking experience gained from working with specialized in consumer, business, and commercial real estate lending.
California Southern offers a credit enhancement program administered by the InfraStructure bank (IBank) through the Go-Biz Office at the State of California. This program guarantees small business loans up to 80% under the regular program and up to 95% through the Disaster Loan Guarantee Program. Within his loan portfolio, approximately 45% of the loans are held by minority-owned businesses and 42% women owned businesses. These numbers are far above the averages seen across traditional lending sectors. Juan Carlos and his team play a crucial role in providing capital to a diverse range of small businesses, particularly those in underserved communities across our San Diego & Imperial Valley region and other areas of California.
Hernandez also serves on the Boards of Chicano Federation, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, San Diego Parks Foundation and a Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Fondo Adelante CDFI Micro-Lender. And, he and his company contribute both money and time to charitable causes including mission lenders, such as Accessity, and TMC Finance Corporation and other non-profits such as MANA de San Diego and Chambers of Commerce throughout the region. In addition, they support SBDC’s by partnering the business coaches to proper financial institutions for access to affordable capital for their clients.
Juan Carlos recognizes that investing in diverse and underinvested small businesses goes beyond mere financial success. It transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates generational wealth. San Diego is fortunate to have such a dedicated advocate in Juan Carlos.
Anthony Vigil Small Business Advocacy Award (Team)
San Diego Unified School District’s (SDUSD) Business Outreach team exhibits an unrelenting commitment to small and diverse business participation on its multibillion-dollar Capital Improvement Bond Program (Propositions S/Z and Measures YY/U) and across its construction contracting programs.
Karen Linehan launched and has overseen the District’s award-winning Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE/XBE*) program that operates with an astonishing 45% EBE participation, which equates to over $1.3 billion in awarded contract dollars to diverse small businesses since 2009. This ensures San Diego Unified’s capital bond projects benefit local communities; and that a significant portion of construction dollars are spent on small, diverse, and traditionally underutilized businesses. San Diego Unified has an $11.6 B construction program.
EBE/XBE inclusion in SDUSD’s construction program is the result of a smooth and innovative business outreach program that offers guidance, networking, advocacy, and tools, including a Tip Sheet, to help them attain contracts, both within and outside of SDUSD business opportunities.
The Business Outreach team provides small, diverse, and traditionally underutilized businesses with individualized support and resources to help them gain experience and qualifications to bid on SDUSD contracts. They also participate in several outreach events throughout Southern California, as panelists, exhibitors, and presenters, to identify and connect with new EBE/XBE organizations to keep the SDUSD’s program viable now and in the future.
The San Diego Unified EBE/XBE Program is widely considered the “Gold Standard,” a hard-earned honor that continues to motivate the team to achieve even more.
*XBE is the term used to include Disabled-Veteran Businesses, Women-owned Business Enterprises, Minority-owned Business Enterprises, and Small Business Enterprises.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Aaron De La Paz, a San Diego, California native, has been a tattoo artist for 17 years. He bootstrapped the start of his business Hustle Tattoo & Piercing Studio, in 2018, as a Schedule C sole proprietor, now an S-Corporation, with two locations. Hustle Tattoo has seen consistent year-over-year revenue growth since 2019 and is now growing income and equity with a building purchase.
In 2023, Aaron leveraged an SBA 7a loan in the amount of $995,600 to purchase a building for a new studio on University Avenue in San Diego, California, through Harvest Small Business Finance. Without the SBA guaranteed loan, the business would not have qualified for this loan. The SBA’s lower down payment and Harvest’s less conservative underwriting standard made it possible for Hustle Tattoo & Piercing Studio to buy its building.
Hustle Tattoo & Piercing Studio provides body art to the residents of San Diego. Aaron and Karla De La Paz along with their team of artists dedicate time and attention to each tattoo and piercing. Tattoos and body art are personal transformative experiences for the customers who get them. This requires a dedication to detail that Hustle Tattoo & Piercing Studio provides.
Aaron also provides internship opportunities to new tattoo artists so they can break into the industry and find sustaining work. He networks with other studios so that young artists can connect to the marketplace. This is of great value to those entering the industry.
As a young entrepreneur, at age 30, Aaron is leading the way, running, and growing his business. He has an entrepreneurial spirit, providing leadership and opportunities for his employees and aspiring tattoo artists.
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Bruce Banning, Navy veteran, launched his construction company, in 2000, and has shaped it into a thriving Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business. Primarily focused on residential services, Banning and Son, Inc. serves all of San Diego County and has established a notable presence in various sectors, including Woman’s Shelters, Jails, Fire Stations, and Sheriff Departments. The breadth of their services extends beyond traditional residential construction, showcasing a commitment to community-oriented projects.
Banning and Son Inc has thrived with pivotal support from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), starting in 2018, catalyzing its growth and success across crucial areas. SBDC guidance covered small business certification, strategic planning, business development, and funding, and collectively fortified the company’s resilience, spurred growth, and contributed to its success in the construction industry.
They have experienced significant growth and expansion since their founding, transitioning from a modest beginning in a small office to a 3000 sq. ft. office with a warehouse. They have also seen consistent financial growth year over year.
Banning and Son Inc is also deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community, sponsoring a local baseball team; supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as Saint Madeline Sophie Center, which empowers individuals with developmental disabilities. Additionally, their team members actively participate in various charitable initiatives, such as volunteering for local events and fundraisers. In collaboration with “We See You” in San Diego, they strive to address pressing community needs and contribute to the betterment of society.
Banning and Son, Inc. stands as a testament to Bruce’s leadership, marked by a commitment to excellence, community impact, and a successful transition from military service to entrepreneurship.
District Director’s Microenterprise of the Year
Roanna Canete visited more than 30 countries and worked as a leadership consultant on several continents as a young adult. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership as well as an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and for 10 years served as a global leadership consultant, and taught leadership at the graduate level.
The Gluten Free Baking Co., and Roanna’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, in her home kitchen, when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. At that time finding good tasting allergen free foods was difficult. With no formal kitchen training, she became a self-made gluten free pastry chef.
Roanna credits the San Diego Small Business Development Center coaching and resources in helping her successfully write her business plan, hire employees, engage with social media marketing, and strategize her PR. The SBDC team also helped her pivot from wholesale to a retail business during the pandemic.
The Gluten Free Baking Co. is now four businesses in one. A fully functioning gluten free (GF) bakery, with two retail locations, selling wholesale as well, which includes a co-op retail space for fellow GF businesses; and an incubator kitchen, renting kitchen space to GF start-ups; and a professional gluten free culinary school, teaching baking and business courses, throughout the U.S. and Canada, to equip individuals to go into the GF food industry.
As a queer business owner, Roanna conducts an annual fund raiser to support The National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights organization focused on empowering Black LGBTQ+/SGL people and families. She also supports Girl Scouts by frequently teaching local troops entrepreneurship and baking.
Roanna has transformed her business into a multifaceted enterprise, successfully navigating challenges such as the 2020 pandemic and emerging stronger each time. Roanna’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her passion, resilience, and commitment to both community and quality gluten-free baking demonstrate true entrepreneurial spirit. We look forward to watching her business continue to grow.