2020 Small Business Week Award Winners Announced

Administrator Jovita Carranza, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, formally announced Wyoming’s winners for the National Small Business Week Awards,

National Small Business Week will be held May 3-9, 2020. The winners have been invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on May 3-4, where they will be honored with their individual award. During the ceremonies, the SBA will announce the 2020 National Small Business Person of the Year among the individual winners represented from across the U.S. and territories.

“What an honor it is for me to recognize the National Small Business Week state and territorial winners from across the nation whose exceptional hard work has created and built successful small businesses,” said Carranza.  “These women and men not only realized their dreams of entrepreneurship but have also been tremendous job creators, helping to expand our economy. They represent the 30 million American small businesses – our nation’s innovators and risk-takers.”

Wyoming Small Business Persons of the Year: WWC Engineering

Wyoming’s Small Business Persons of the Year are the leadership team from WWC Engineering: Brady Lewis, President/CEO; Jack Fritz, Director of Operations; Chad Reed, Branch Manager; Darrin Tromble, Branch Manager; Greg Reid, Branch Manager; Murray Schroeder, Branch Manager; and Shawn Higley, Branch Manager. The engineering firm – headquartered in Sheridan with offices across Wyoming and Montana – has been in operation for 40 years and employs 100 people.

“We are thrilled to recognized Brady Lewis and the team at WWC Engineering as this year’s winner of the 2020 Wyoming Small Business Persons of the Year award,” said Amy Lea, SBA’s Wyoming District Director. “We’re excited to announce that they will now move on to compete for the SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year award at the national level.”

Wyoming Exporter of the Year: Rex Specs

Rex Specs of Jackson Hole will be recognized as Wyoming’s top small business exporter. Rex Specs develops eye protection for dogs and their products are now being used internationally to protect against almost anything imaginable – dust and debris from rotor wash during helicopter deployments, UV rays on mountain hikes or simple walks, bugs and wind during sidecar rides, or punctures from sticks and thorns while chasing birds, or squirrels.

Spirit of Wyoming: Backwards Distilling Co.

Backwards Distilling Co. of Casper will be recognized for embodying Wyoming’s can-do spirit as they continue to demonstrate growth, potential for future success and a passion for volunteerism and community involvement.

National Small Business Week

“Wyoming is one of the best states in the nation to start, grow, and expand a small business,” said SBA Regional Administrator Dan Nordberg. “Each National Small Business Week winner exemplifies the importance of entrepreneurship in Wyoming. Small businesses are the fabric of our economy and deserve all the recognition we can give them for their contributions to our communities.”

During National Small Business Week, additional award winners from across the country will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting, and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship. Awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center and Veterans Business Outreach Center. Each of these partners have offices or chapters that serve Wyoming.

Information regarding award presentations for Wyoming’s winners will be forthcoming. For more information about each award or award winner, please contact Jordan Belser at (307) 441-1192 or jordan.belser@sba.gov.