MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed a proclamation officially assigning Sunday, May 4, through Sunday, May 11, 2025, as National Small Business Week in Alabama, celebrating the critical role small businesses play in driving the state’s economy and supporting job creation in every corner of the state.
“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,” said Governor Ivey. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we’re in a Golden Age for American – and Alabama – small businesses. Our state’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, and it’s building a stronger, more competitive Alabama for generations to come.”
Alabama’s small businesses account for 99.4 percent of all businesses in the state, employing 46.7 percent of the private sector workforce. Over the last 25 years, employment in small businesses has grown by nearly 10 percent. These businesses also contribute significantly to trade, with Alabama small firms exporting over $4.4 billion in goods annually.
“From Main Street storefronts to family farms, small businesses are the backbone of Alabama’s economy from the mountains in the north, to the beaches in the south, the wiregrass in the southeast and the timber lands in the western part of the state, each business is strengthening their communities and creating jobs,” said National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash. “By investing in their success, small businesses ensure a stronger Alabama for everyone.”
This year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized Kimberly and Larry Lewis, owners of Huntsville-based business, PROJECTXYZ, INC., as Alabama’s 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year.
“PROJECTXYZ, INC. is a great example of a local small business empowering the state of Alabama’s economy,” said Janita R. Stewart, SBA Alabama District Director (Acting). “In accordance with the SBA’s Office of Advocacy’s most recent Small Business Profiles, there are more than 449,000 small businesses in Alabama contributing to the state’s economy, and business owners like Kimberly and Larry Lewis, are helping to lead the way. SBA is proud to recognize The Lewis’ as Alabama’s 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year!”
Additional SBA honorees this year include:
- Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year: Dulane Tolbert, CEO, Tolbert Insurance Agency, Inc., Oneonta
- Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Sean Chappell, CEO, Southern Sun Laundry, Foley
- Alabama Women-Owned Small Business of the Year: Lori Purnell, CEO, Spencer Environmental Consultants, LLC, Birmingham
- Phoenix Award for Disaster Recovery – Outstanding Contributions, Volunteer: Pastor John E. Grayson, Gospel Tabernacle Church, Selma
All honorees received assistance from the Alabama Small Business Development Center network, which provides business advising and resources throughout the state.
Governor Ivey’s annually issued proclamation reaffirms Alabama’s commitment to advancing small business growth and economic development statewide.
Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, small businesses are the engine of the American economy and the foundation of a free and prosperous nation–built by men and women who work hard, take risks and believe in the power of the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, small businesses make up more than 99 percent of all private sector employers and create nearly two out of every three new jobs in America, fueling opportunity and driving local economies across every corner of the country; and
WHEREAS, whether in our fields, on our factory floors or at the frontiers of technology, small businesses are driving the innovation and building the products that keep America strong, competitive, and secure; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, small business owners have faced unprecedented challenges – from record–high inflation to reckless federal spending and burdensome regulations–yet they have remained resilient in their commitment to delivering for America’s communities; and
WHEREAS, despite these headwinds, the American spirit of enterprise endures, and we now stand at the threshold of a new Golden Age for small businesses – built on common sense, pro–growth policies that put our people, our workers and our job creators first; and
WHEREAS, under strong leadership that prioritizes energy independence, secure borders, and fair trade, we can once again restore American dominance, self–reliance and independence; and
WHEREAS, Alabama shares the Trump Administration’s commitment to cutting red tape, keeping taxes low and fighting for the hardworking entrepreneurs who power our economy from the ground up; and
WHEREAS, National Small Business Week has been proclaimed by the President of the United States since 1963, honoring the vital role of small businesses in creating jobs, growing the economy and anchoring our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 4 through May
10, 2025, as
National Small Business Week
in the state of Alabama and encourage all citizens to support small businesses and celebrate their many achievements.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 2nd day of May 2025.
Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey, Governor
State of Alabama
Media Release/Office of Governor Kay Ivey
