Meadville business owner named 2023 Pa. Small Business Persons of the Year

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's 33 million small businesses, announced the 2023 Small Business Persons of the Year from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

“We are elated to learn Melinda Nearhoof of Annie's Flooring and Commercial Services was selected as both the western Pennsylvania and state winner,” said SBA Western Pa. District Director Dr. Kelly Hunt. “She truly exemplifies the traits of successful small business ownership, from working with Gannon University's Small Business Development Center to pivoting and creating new revenue streams during the pandemic to expanding both her employee base and benefits to increasing charitable donations locally and globally.”

The winners will be recognized Sunday, April 30 and Monday, May 1 during the National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the event, one of the state/territory winners will be announced as the 2023 National Small Business Person of the Year.

“Our 2023 State Small Business Persons of the Year have given their all to achieve their American dream — to own and build a strong, resilient business; create jobs; increase competition and innovation and power America's historic economic recovery,” said Administrator Guzman. “These incredible entrepreneurs show the vibrancy and grit of our nation's small businesses. From Main Street to manufacturing hubs and tech centers, they are powering our economy. We hope their stories inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

National Small Business Week will be held from April 30-May 6, 2023. For more information about NSBW, please visit www.sba. gov/nsbw.