SBDC Clients Across New York Honored with SBA Small Business Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Contact: Kevin McGoldrick; communications@nysbdc.org, (800) 732-7232

Entrepreneurs supported by the New York SBDC network recognized by the Buffalo, Metro New York, and Syracuse SBA District Offices

Albany, NY – This week marks National Small Business Week, a nationwide celebration led by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to recognize the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of the weeklong celebration, the SBA honors outstanding small businesses across the country through its annual Small Business Awards. In New York, multiple current and former clients of the New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) are among this year’s honorees—recognized for their innovation, resilience, and economic impact. These award-winning businesses represent all three SBA districts and regions in the state: Metro New York District, Syracuse District and Buffalo District. Read some of their stories below.

“Each of these business owners represents the best of what small business can be—resilient, innovative, and rooted in their communities,” said Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York SBDC. “We’re honored to have supported them on their journeys and thank the SBA for recognizing their impact.”

New York State Small Business Person of the Year

Melissa Baideme, C.K. Fruit Juice LLC
New York State Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Jamestown SBDC

Melissa Baideme was the overall New York State winner recognized by SBA Administator Kelly Loeffler in Washington, D.C. for her impact and economic contributions in New York. In 2021,  Melissa seized an opportunity to purchase an existing juice concentrate manufacturing business in Chautauqua County and with the help of the Small Business Development Center at JCC,  has grown her business exponentially including revenues, employees and product offerings.

Metro New York District

Charles Devigne, Harlem Baking Company
Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
Assisted by the Manhattan SBDC

Charles Devigne founded Harlem Baking Company during the pandemic to deliver high-quality, restaurant-style desserts in glass jars, expanding through retail, online, and B2B partnerships. As a veteran and experienced restaurateur, he successfully grew the business while remaining committed to community support, including providing meals to healthcare workers. In 2024, Harlem Baking Company won the NYC Boss Up Veterans competition, receiving a $20,000 grant and access to a year-long entrepreneurial growth program.

Syracuse District

Shawni Davis, Luminary Electrical Services
Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the North Central SBDC

Shawni Davis was awarded for her impact and economic contributions in Central New York. Shawni has been consistently growing her company and putting more central New Yorkers to work year after year as well as serving as a beacon for her community through volunteer efforts like the Boys and Girls Club and her work with high school STEM students.

Matthew Peirson, Simple Roast Coffee Company
Rural Owned Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the North Central SBDC

Matt is a CNY native and grew up around the food industry. He received his business education through SUNY Oswego while continuing to cultivate his passion for the food industry. Matt started doing business in 2012 utilizing grass roots options like local church commercial kitchen space and selling his goods at farmers markets. He developed relationships with other entrepreneurs like the Brookses of Coffee Mania and has been able to scale his one kiosk operation to a three-location success.

Mark and Alex Williams, Savurn Memorials
Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Assisted by the Binghamton SBDC

Father and son team Mark and Alex Williams are part owners of family run business, Savurn Memorials. Mark is an Air Force veteran and Alex is a Marine Corps veteran. They own the business with wife/mother Shari and Mark’s other son, Zachary. Savurn Memorials was born from the tragic loss of daughter Savannah in 2016 due to a vehicular accident. The family has worked to grow the business and help other families through difficult times while continuing to honor Savannah.

Buffalo District

Janna Willoughby-Lohr, Papercraft Miracles LLC
Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
Assisted by the Buffalo SBDC

Papercraft Miracles LLC is a fusion of art and entrepreneurship specializing in handmade paper products such as stationary, flowers, handbound books, home goods and seed paper.   Founder Janna Willoughby-Lohr, and testimonial “Mompreneur”, started her business in 2013 and has grown the operation from a one – room, part- time endeavor to a thriving business with 3500 sq ft boutique and paper making studio, a full-time staff, and international customers.

Darius Myles, DMYLES Inc.
Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
Previously assisted by Niagara SBDC

Darius Myles is a US Air Force Veteran and established DMYLES Inc  in 2013.   Based upon the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence,  Myles has positioned his company among the fastest growing general construction firms in Western New York.    DMYLES  is a full-service general contractor that has performed contracts in the public, private and government sectors in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.  

Steve Davis, Tapecon Inc.
Family-Owned Business of the Year
Previously assisted by Niagara SBDC & Buffalo SBDC

Founded in 1919,  Tapecon Inc., through 5 generations of the Davis family,  has evolved into a specialized contract manufacturer of advanced printed and converted products.   With over 80 employees and 90,000 of manufacturing space, Tapecon has demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive in a changing industrial and economic landscape, while maintaining its roots in Buffalo’s rich manufacturing history.