Melissa Baideme, SBDC Client, Named New York State Small Business Person of the Year

We’re thrilled to celebrate CK Natural Fruit Juice, owner Melissa Baideme and her entire team, on being named New York Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration! https://www.sba.gov/…/sbas-2025-national-small-business…

🎉 This prestigious honor recognizes the team’s hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. CK Natural Fruit Juice is a food manufacturer and wholesale distributor in Western New York—and now, it’s gaining well-earned national attention. Stay tuned for more as we spotlight their story!

https://cknaturalfruitjuice.com/about/

This journey has been powered in part by the guidance and support of our Jamestown Small Business Development Center and Business Advisor Dan Hickman, who’ve worked closely with Melissa and her team along the way.

“One of the greatest benefits of working with the Small Business Development Center is the tools they place in front of you, so it can help you open your doors to a world of success. I have been more than grateful working with Danny Hickman and all his motivation he has given me. At times when I feel a little stuck, he distracts those thoughts and keeps me going in one direction which is the right direction!” — Melissa Baideme

👏 Congratulations to Melissa and her entire team! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing small businesses we support get the recognition they deserve.