Contact: Shirah Apple (414) 297-1096/rachel.apple@sba.gov
Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes the contributions of small businesses to America’s economy by honoring outstanding entrepreneurs and their supporters in each of its 68 districts and ten regions. This year, Wisconsin is celebrating six successful companies and nine individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in entrepreneurship.
Kristina Pence-Dunow, CEO of Hometown Trolley in Crandon is Wisconsin’s SBA Small Business Person of the Year.
The Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year is Kristina Pence-Dunow of Hometown Trolley in Crandon. Hometown Trolley started in 1978 as a maker of horse trailers. Kristina Pence-Dunow, president and CEO of this third-generation family business, has led the company since 2010 and has grown it into a leading manufacturer of trackless trolleys. She has been invited to attend National Small Business Week events in Washington, D.C. on April 30 and May 1along with the other state winners.
“Wisconsin’s awardees, who represent the focus, commitment, and community engagement that help small businesses flourish,” says SBA Wisconsin District Director Eric Ness. “Wisconsin’s 445,000 small businesses employ 1.2 million people and create 2 of 3 net new jobs in both our urban and rural communities.”
Wisconsin’s winners will be honored at SBA’s 32nd annual awards breakfast on May 5 in Milwaukee. The Badger State business community is invited to attend.
Wisconsin’s SBA award winners are:
Small Business Person of the Year
Hometown Trolley, Kristina Pence-Dunow, Crandon
Small Business Exporter
Excel Manufacturing, Rich Calderon and Karl Schindler, Waukesha
8a Graduate of the Year
Cartridge Savers, Robert Wangard, Madison
Jody C. Raskind Lender of the Year Award
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
Small Business Development Center Service Excellence Award
UW-Eau Claire SBDC, Luke Kempen
Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., Milwaukee, Amber Miller
Young Entrepreneur
MobCraft, Henry Schwartz, Milwaukee
Family-owned Small Business
Jones Publishing, Diana, Joe and Maggie Jones, Iola
SCORE Wisconsin Mentor of the Year
Dave Maaske, SE Wisconsin SCORE Chapter
Emerging Small Business
Scathain, John McWilliam, Milwaukee
Minority Small Business Champion
Ralph Hollmon, Milwaukee Urban League
Women in Business
Lynne Keckeisen, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., Milwaukee
Financial Services Champion
Jason Monnett, Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corp.
Veteran Small Business Champion
Saul Newton, Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Home Based Business Champion
Meghan Blake-Horst, Absolutely Art & MadCity Bazaar, Madison
About the Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For more information, visit www.sba.gov.