Montgomery, AL — Governor Kay Ivey has officially designated Sunday, May 4, through Sunday, May 11, 2025, as National Small Business Week in Alabama, issuing a proclamation that highlights the vital role small businesses play in driving the state’s economy and supporting job creation.
“Small businesses are the engine that keep Alabama moving forward – powering local economies, creating good jobs and strengthening communities in every corner of our state,” Governor Ivey said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
Small businesses make up 99.4 percent of all businesses in Alabama and are responsible for employing 46.7 percent of the state’s private-sector workforce. Over the past 25 years, employment among small businesses in Alabama has grown by nearly 10 percent, and these businesses contribute significantly to trade, exporting more than $4.4 billion in goods annually.
As part of the week’s observance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized several outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses:
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Alabama Small Business Persons of the Year: Kimberly and Larry Lewis, PROJECTXYZ, INC. (Huntsville)
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Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year: Dulane Tolbert, Tolbert Insurance Agency, Inc. (Oneonta)
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Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Sean Chappell, Southern Sun Laundry (Foley)
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Alabama Women-Owned Small Business of the Year: Lori Purnell, Spencer Environmental Consultants, LLC (Birmingham)
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Phoenix Award for Disaster Recovery – Outstanding Contributions, Volunteer: Pastor John E. Grayson, Gospel Tabernacle Church (Selma)
“These honorees represent the strength and innovation of Alabama’s small business community,” said Janita R. Stewart, Acting SBA Alabama District Director. “They are part of more than 449,000 small businesses across the state helping lead Alabama’s economic progress.”
All recognized business owners received support from the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, which offers advising and resources to entrepreneurs statewide.
Governor Ivey’s annual proclamation reinforces Alabama’s commitment to fostering small business growth and supporting economic development initiatives throughout the state.
