BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the 2018 Louisiana Small Business Award winners at an event honoring small business leaders who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of Louisiana. The winners were honored in a private reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
“Our state’s economy depends on the products and services provided by our small businesses,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “Small businesses account for more than 97 percent of all employers in Louisiana, and they employ more than half of our private-sector workforce. The forward progress of our economic trends is established by the strength of our small businesses. Louisiana is fortunate to have so many enterprising and innovative business leaders striving to grow market share. LED is pleased to have the opportunity to congratulate and recognize some of our best during National Small Business Week.”
LED and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network served 9,056 small businesses and individuals last year, directly resulting in 1,930 new jobs, 3,245 retained jobs and the launch of 137 new businesses representing more than $55 million in capital formation. The Small Business Award program recognizes top performers in a broad range of categories.
The 2018 Louisiana Small Business Award winners are:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
Matthew Kincaid
Overcoming Racism
New Orleans
Minority Business Champion:
Mayra Pineda
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
New Orleans
Women’s Business Champion:
Andrea Chen
Propeller Incubator
New Orleans
Louisiana Small Business Advocate of the Year:
Cindy Carrier
Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Small Business Person of the Year:
Keith Porta
APC Construction LLC
Harvey
2018 Regional Award Winner
Region VI SBDC Excellence and Innovation Center Award:
Heidi Melancon
LSBDC University of Louisiana-Lafayette
Lafayette
2018 LED Entrepreneur Awards
LED Small and Emerging Business of the Year:
Kristi Mirambell
K-Belle Consultants
New Orleans
LED Small Business Excellence Award:
Holly Chaney and Elizabeth Eure
Downtown Healthcare and Wellness
Baton Rouge
LED Most Outstanding Business Growth Award:
Leo L. Holzenthal Jr.
M S Benbow & Associates
Metairie
LED Small Business Bonding Support Partner of the Year:
Whitney Bank
New Orleans
LEDC Bank of the Year:
Danny Domingue
Farmers State Bank & Trust Co.
Youngsville
Louisiana PTAC Contractor of the Year:
Alvinette Teal
JESCO Environmental & Geotechnical Services Inc.
Jennings
MEPOL Small Manufacturing Award:
Allison Bonin
Advanced Graphic Engraving
Broussard
NFIB Small Business Champion:
Ken Peyton
Cypress Equipment Services
Geismar
USDA Rural Development Lender of the Year:
Ken Hale
Bank of Montgomery
Natchitoches
USDA Rural Development Borrower of the Year:
Walker Alford and Randy Seegers
All Hours Fitness
Many
2018 Hudson and Veteran Champions
Office of State Procurement Agencies Recognition
Ava Dejoie
Louisiana Workforce Commission
