SBDC Clients Across New York Honored with State and National Small Business Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin McGoldrick; communications@nysbdc.org, (800) 732-7232

Entrepreneurs supported by the New York SBDC network were recognized by the SBA’s Buffalo, Metro New York, and Upstate District Offices, with two clients also receiving national recognition

Albany, NY – National Small Business Week, celebrated May 3–9, recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors outstanding small businesses and support organizations from across the country through its annual Small Business Week awards program. In New York, current and former clients of the New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) received 13 of the 16 announced business awards this year and were recognized for their innovation, resilience, growth, and impact in communities across the state.

This year’s awardees include winners recognized at the national level, as well as winners from the SBA’s Upstate, Buffalo, and Metro New York district offices. Together, they reflect the strength and diversity of New York’s small business community, from manufacturers and exporters to Main Street businesses, service providers, and long-standing family enterprises.

National-Level Recognition

Martin’s Handmade Pretzels, Justus Martin & Josiah Martin
National Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Assisted by the North Country SBDC hosted by SUNY Canton

Martin’s Handmade Pretzels, the family business behind Martin’s Pretzel Bakery, has become a standout example of rural manufacturing growth and resilience. Carrying forward a pretzel-making tradition that spans nearly a century, Josiah Martin purchased and relocated the bakery to Moira, New York, where he works alongside family to continue the legacy. Josiah also co-manages Martin’s Country Store with his father, Justus Martin. After a devastating fire threatened to end the operation less than two months after opening in 2020, the business rebuilt with determination, community support, and assistance from the North Country SBDC. Today, Martin’s Handmade Pretzels continues to grow, create jobs, and bring a long-standing family tradition to new markets.

Gardner Chiropractic, Dr. Emily Gardner & Dr. Sam Gardner
New York Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Southwest Region SBDC hosted by Jamestown Community College

Gardner Chiropractic was recognized as New York’s Small Business Person of the Year after navigating a major disruption with resilience and strategic growth. In 2024, the practice’s former building suffered a roof collapse, forcing an unexpected relocation. The Gardners quickly secured temporary space so they could continue serving patients without interruption, then used the challenge as an opportunity to plan for the future. In 2025, they moved into a larger location in Olean that better supports the practice’s expansion, allows them to serve more patients, and creates new opportunities for collaboration through additional office space.

Upstate District

New Hope Mills, Doug Weed
Upstate District Rural Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the North Central SBDC hosted by Onondaga Community College

Founded in 1823, New Hope Mills has spent more than two centuries building a legacy rooted in quality, tradition, and rural entrepreneurship. Under the leadership of Doug Weed, the company has expanded production, grown its workforce, strengthened its private label business, and further established its Auburn store and café as a local destination. Even while adapting to supply chain disruptions, shifting market conditions, and rising costs, New Hope Mills has remained committed to local employment, community engagement, and preserving a historic part of New York’s rural manufacturing heritage.

Seen Nutrition, Dr. Adrienne Bitar & Dr. Jennifer Han
Upstate District Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the Southern Tier SBDC hosted by Binghamton University, and NYSBDC International Trade Director Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore

Seen Nutrition is being recognized for rethinking women’s health supplements through a food-first approach. Inspired by their own experiences and expertise, Dr. Adrienne Bitar and Dr. Jennifer Han developed calcium chews made from real-food ingredients designed to support bone health in a more natural and accessible way. Their growing company combines innovation, science, and a strong mission-driven focus, while also highlighting the role that research-based entrepreneurship can play in bringing new health-focused products to market.

Facility Safety Solutions, Eric Sims
Upstate District Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the Mohawk Valley SBDC hosted by Mohawk Valley Community College

Facility Safety Solutions provides safety consulting and training services tailored to the needs of businesses and their teams. Since launching the business in 2023, Eric Sims has focused on helping clients identify workplace vulnerabilities, improve efficiency, and strengthen safety culture. With support from the Mohawk Valley SBDC, he has worked to build visibility for the business and turn a long-held goal of entrepreneurship into a growing operation that helps employers protect their workers and strengthen day-to-day operations.

Morse Manufacturing, Nate Andrews
Upstate District Small Business Exporter of the Year
Assisted by the North Central SBDC hosted by Onondaga Community College, and NYSBDC International Trade Director Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore

Morse Manufacturing has built a strong global presence while continuing its long tradition of U.S.-based manufacturing. Founded in 1923, the company now exports drum handling equipment to more than 55 countries, with international sales representing a significant share of its business. Strategic use of state and federal export support, financing programs, and market development resources has helped Morse modernize operations, invest in equipment, and expand internationally. The company’s export success has also supported innovation, strengthened long-term stability, and reinforced its reputation as a global leader in its niche manufacturing sector.

PlugIn Stations Online, John Doran
Upstate District Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Capital Region SBDC hosted by the University at Albany

PlugIn Stations Online has been helping shape the electric vehicle infrastructure landscape across the Northeast since 2011. What began with John Doran’s early interest in electric vehicles and electrical work has grown into a business that has installed thousands of charging ports and supported a wide range of EV infrastructure projects. As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, PlugIn Stations Online has established itself as an early and influential player in the transition to more sustainable transportation systems.

Buffalo District

Ag BioTech, Tristan Hudak
Buffalo District Small Business Exporter of the Year
Assisted by the Niagara SBDC hosted by SUNY Niagara, and NYSBDC International Trade Director Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore

Ag BioTech, led by CEO Robert Hudak and Director of International Development Tristan Hudak, has accelerated its international growth by pairing innovation in agricultural inputs with strategic export development. Facing a mature domestic market, the company expanded globally with support tied to export advisement, funding connections, distributor searches, trade show participation, and export financing tools. Today, international sales account for a substantial share of the company’s annual revenue, and Ag BioTech continues to build momentum in new markets while advancing sustainable agricultural solutions.

Junk Free Skin, Tom Akers & Michael Constantine
Buffalo District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Assisted by the Greater Buffalo SBDC hosted by Buffalo State University, and International Trade Director Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore

Junk Free Skin has grown from a small Buffalo retail concept into an innovative manufacturing business focused on sustainable personal care products. Since its launch, the company has expanded into a larger manufacturing facility and developed product and packaging systems designed to reduce plastic waste while serving both its own brand and outside clients. That momentum has continued through recent recognition for manufacturing excellence and growing interest in international expansion, all while the company remains committed to growing its footprint and workforce in Buffalo.

Marcus the Barber and Associates, Marcus Hamilton
Buffalo District Main Street Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the Niagara SBDC hosted by SUNY Niagara

Marcus the Barber and Associates, LLC has built a strong reputation through quality service, consistency, and community connection. With decades of experience as a barber, Marcus Hamilton has developed a business known for detailed grooming services and a welcoming experience for clients of all ages. Beyond the chair, he is also recognized for mentoring youth and serving as a trusted presence in the community, reflecting the spirit of a Main Street business that delivers both service and local impact.

Halligan Creative Arts Therapy PLLC, Shannon Halligan
Buffalo District Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Finger Lakes SBDC hosted by SUNY Brockport

Halligan Creative Arts Therapy PLLC provides art-based mental health services centered on creativity, connection, and care. Based in Rochester and Ithaca, the practice offers therapy services and continuing education opportunities while working to make care more accessible through insurance participation and a welcoming, individualized approach. Shannon Halligan, a licensed creative arts therapist with more than two decades of experience, has built a practice that blends clinical expertise with creative expression to support healing, resilience, and professional growth.

Metro New York District

SecureTech Systems, Jawad Khalfan
New York Metro District Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Long Island SBDC hosted by Stony Brook University

SecureTech Systems, LLC designs, installs, and supports integrated security systems for commercial and institutional clients. The company has built its reputation around careful planning, reliable execution, and long-term accountability, helping clients strengthen surveillance, access control, and related technology systems. Its work reflects a strong commitment to service, precision, and practical solutions in environments where reliability matters.

Buono Jewelers, John Buonocore
New York Metro District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Assisted by the Staten Island SBDC hosted by the College of Staten Island

Buono Jewelers Inc is a family-owned jewelry business with decades of experience and a long-standing reputation for craftsmanship, service, and custom design. Founded by John Buonocore and now led by the next generation, the company has continued to evolve while maintaining its commitment to quality merchandise and expert care. From custom design to repair and appraisal services, Buono Jewelers has remained a trusted business in New York while continuing to look ahead to its next chapter.

Additional SBA Recognition

Queens-York Small Business Development Center
Hosted by York College
New York Metro District SBDC Excellence & Innovation Award
Director: Harry Wells

In addition to this year’s client award winners, the Queens-York Small Business Development Center, hosted by York College and led by Director Harry Wells, was recognized by the New York Metro District with its SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award. The recognition highlights the center’s impact in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across Queens County.