Annual statewide roadshow will recognize outstanding New York entrepreneurs selected from more than 27,000 small business clients.
The New York Small Business Development Centers is launching its 2026 Annual Client Awards Roadshow, a statewide celebration recognizing outstanding small businesses and entrepreneurs whose achievements reflect the resilience, innovation, and community impact of New York’s small business community.
These award recipients were selected from among more than 27,000 small business clients served by the New York SBDC across the state this past year. The Annual Client Awards Roadshow brings these celebrations directly to communities throughout New York, with events taking place at various locations, many at clients’ businesses. Each event brings together elected officials, business leaders, New York SBDC staff, host institution leadership, friends, families, and community members to honor the clients’ accomplishments and highlight the local impact of the SBDC network.
This year’s award categories include City Catalyst of the Year, Family-Owned Business of the Year, Manufacturing Business of the Year, Next-Gen Entrepreneur of the Year, Phoenix Business of the Year, Procurement Business of the Year, Rural Business of the Year, Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.
“Each year, the Annual Client Awards Roadshow gives us the opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurs who show what small business means to communities across New York,” said Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York SBDC. “These awardees represent the determination, creativity, and local impact we see every day through our work with small business owners. Visiting them in their own communities is a meaningful way to recognize their achievements and the advisors, partners, families, and supporters who help make their success possible.”
2026 New York SBDC Annual Client Awards Roadshow Schedule
Currently scheduled roadshow celebrations include:
July 30, 2026
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
M&P Engineering and Land Surveying
Owner: Paul Olszewski
Location: Skaneateles, NY
Center: North Central SBDC
Business Advisor: Michele Baran
M&P Engineering and Land Surveying, founded by veteran Paul Olszewski, will be recognized for its growth from a basement startup into a multi-million-dollar engineering and surveying firm with 30 employees and a national footprint. Its work, including major government contracts and a landmark Erie Canal surveying project, reflects veteran leadership, strategic growth, and long-term planning.
August 4, 2026
Phoenix Business of the Year
Sybil’s Yarn Shop
Owner: Jeanetta Osterhoudt
Location: Cooperstown, NY
Center: Southern Tier SBDC
Business Advisor: Michelle Catan
Sybil’s Yarn Shop will be honored for its extraordinary recovery after a devastating July 2025 fire destroyed the business and building. With support from customers, neighbors, and the broader community, Jeanetta Osterhoudt reopened the shop just two months later, restoring a beloved creative hub for knitters, quilters, and makers.
August 4, 2026
Procurement Business of the Year
Y & M Professional Cleaners, LLC
Owner: Yancy McKenzie
Location: Endwell, NY
Center: Southern Tier SBDC
Business Advisor: Robin Alpaugh
Y & M Professional Cleaners, LLC will be recognized for its growth through government-funded contracting opportunities and major subcontracting work tied to affordable housing developments. Led by Yancy McKenzie, the business demonstrates persistence, bid readiness, and a strategic approach to long-term growth.
August 10, 2026
Manufacturing Business of the Year
Black Squirrel Farms
General Manager: Sara Tyler
Location: Penn Yan, NY
Center: Southern Tier SBDC
Business Advisor: Jean Carolus
Black Squirrel Farms will receive the Manufacturing Business of the Year award for its innovative approach to sustainability, agriculture, and rural economic impact. Under Sara Tyler’s leadership, the first New York State 20-C licensed facility authorized to process black walnuts has transformed an underutilized natural resource into value-added products, including walnut oil, soaps, and BBQ smoking chips.
August 11, 2026
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
Skyn Therapy
Owner: Danielle King
Location: Rochester, NY
Center: Finger Lakes SBDC
Business Advisor: Chloe Anderson-Adeyemi
Skyn Therapy will be recognized for Danielle King’s journey from U.S. Army veteran to entrepreneur and for building a restorative skincare brand rooted in education, integrity, and ethical care. Drawing on her healthcare and esthetics experience, King is preparing for future expansion through Temple Wellness by Skinmuvaa.
August 27, 2026
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
MVP Lifeguards, LLC
Owner: Olga Perez
Location: Bronx, NY
Center: Bronx SBDC
Business Advisor: Patrick Saul
MVP Lifeguards, LLC will be honored for addressing urgent water safety needs while creating workforce pathways in the Bronx. Since founding the business, Olga Perez has trained more than 200 lifeguards and expanded access to swim lessons through MVP Swimmers, supporting aquatics staffing and safety across the community.
September 15, 2026
Rural Business of the Year
Montauk Chemists
Owner: Frank Calvo
Location: Montauk, NY
Center: Long Island SBDC (Stony Brook)
Business Advisor: Willa Smith
Montauk Chemists will be recognized for restoring essential pharmacy access to a rural community after Montauk’s only pharmacy closed. Through persistence and local support, Frank Calvo opened the business in June 2025, providing residents and visitors with convenient access to prescriptions and care.
September 16, 2026
Next-Gen Entrepreneur of the Year
SecureTech Systems, LLC
Owner: Jawad Khalfan
Location: Garden City, NY
Center: Long Island SBDC (Stony Brook)
Business Advisor: Robert B. Harrison
SecureTech Systems, LLC will receive the Next-Gen Entrepreneur of the Year award for its rapid growth, disciplined leadership, and strong customer service. Under Jawad Khalfan’s direction, the technology firm has grown from a garage startup launched in 2020 into a Long Island business with more than 1,500 completed installations.
September 24, 2026
Family-Owned Business of the Year
MakerSpace NYC
Owners: DB Lampman and Scott Van Campen
Location: New York City; event location TBD
Center: Staten Island SBDC
Business Advisor: Joseph Bottega
MakerSpace NYC will be recognized for its long-term commitment to supporting small manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Since 2013, DB Lampman and Scott Van Campen have grown a mission-driven enterprise rooted in collaboration, education, shared values, and expanded opportunity for New York City’s maker community.
September 25, 2026
City Catalyst of the Year
BushBox NYC, LLC
Owner: Roderick Soto
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Center: Manhattan–Pace SBDC
Business Advisor: Gregory Callender
BushBox NYC, LLC will be honored for its growth and contribution to Brooklyn’s small business ecosystem. Led by Roderick Soto, the business secured six-figure financing to open an expanded retail location in Bushwick, strengthening its operations, neighborhood presence, and role in the local urban retail landscape.
The New York SBDC Annual Client Awards Roadshow is part of the organization’s ongoing effort to celebrate and support small businesses throughout New York State. The roadshow highlights the exceptional achievements of SBDC clients while bringing together communities, families, partners, and local leaders to honor the power of entrepreneurship.
The public is invited to follow the roadshow’s progress and engage with these inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. Updates will be shared regularly on the NYSBDC’s social media channels. Join us in celebrating New York’s small business community’s resilience, innovation, and success.
“These awardees represent the determination, creativity, and local impact we see every day through our work with small business owners. Visiting them in their own communities is a meaningful way to recognize their achievements and the advisors, partners, families, and supporters who help make their success possible.”
Sonya Smith | State Director, New York SBDC
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