San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network
2026 Small Business Awards Event Program
Empowering Excellence
HONORED GUESTS & EMCEES
Steven Snow
SBA Regional Administrator
Mike Sovacool
Acting District Director
Daniel Fitzgerald
Regional Director
Briana Weisinger
Associate Regional Director
AWARDS PROGRAM
Delightful mocktails artfully crafted by the skilled team at The Native Tap, a cherished local small business.
Kick off the event with a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
Daniel Fitzgerald
Regional Director
Briana Weisinger
Associate Regional Director
Steven Snow
SBA Regional Administrator
Taste of SBDC!
Sample the best bites from local business, a buffet-style celebration featuring delicious dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy
Witness the recognition of their hard work and innovation, and be inspired by their stories of success. Let’s applaud these trailblazers who elevate our local economy and spirit!
Joseph Ekyoci
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Aquacycl
District Director's Award for Innovation
Star Flooring and Remodeling
Jill Andrews Award for Staying Power
Kalei’s Kitchenette
Family Owned Small Business of the Year
Veterans in Business (VIB) Network
Veteran Business Champion of the Year
Maeve Consulting
Women-Owned Small Business of the Year
Pollos Mis Pollos
Rural Small Business of the Year
VetPowered
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Epitope
Small Business Exporter of the Year
SOLIME ROYAL HAIR, LLC
District Director's Microenterprise of the Year
Patrick Luedke
District Director’s Award for SBA Mission Support
Dustin Hayes
District Director's Award for Overcoming Adversity
Roxanne Goolsbee
Financial Services Champion of the Year
Rebeca Sheehan
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Chris Cate
SBDC Small Business Champion 2026 - Community
Clair Whitmer
SBDC Small Business Champion 2026 - Government
Devon Julian
Small Business Person of the Year
AWARDEES
Aquacycl
District Director's Award for Innovation
Chris Cate
SBDC Small Business Champion 2026 - Community
Clair Whitmer
SBDC Small Business Champion 2026 - Government
Devon Julian
Small Business Person of the Year
Dustin Hayes
District Director's Award for Overcoming Adversity
Epitope
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Joseph Ekyoci
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Kalei’s Kitchenette
Family Owned Small Business of the Year
Maeve Consulting
Women-Owned Small Business of the Year
Patrick Luedke
District Director’s Award for SBA Mission Support
Pollos Mis Pollos
Rural Small Business of the Year
Rebeca Sheehan
Women in Business Champion of the Year
Roxanne Goolsbee
Financial Services Champion of the Year
SOLIME ROYAL HAIR, LLC
District Director's Microenterprise of the Year
Star Flooring and Remodeling
Jill Andrews Award for Staying Power
Veterans in Business (VIB) Network
Veteran Business Champion of the Year
VetPowered
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
SPONSORS & SUPPORT
SMALL BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT
