SBA Massachusetts 2025 National Small Business Week Awards Breakfast

Registration and Networking starts at 9:30AM, program to begin at 10AM.

This annual SBA event will acknowledge the critical contributions of small business owners across the country and highlight local Massachusetts awardees' hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and contributions to the local economy.

Cheer on and connect with this year's slate of winners, there will be opportunities for networking and the SBA Massachusetts District Office team will be present to talk business!

The event will be held on the first floor of the Tip O'Neill Federal Building's Auditorium.

Light breakfast will be served.

We are fortunate to be welcoming to the program: Guest Emcee Tiffany Chan, CBS News Boston/WBZ-TV News Anchor + Social Media Influencer Marwa Osman, Founder of The City Lists.

Tiffany Chan is a weekend morning anchor and reporter for WBZ-TV in Boston, where she proudly tells the stories that matter most to our communities. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants who own and operate restaurants, Tiffany grew up with a deep appreciation for the hustle, heart, and resilience of small business owners.

She brings that passion to her WBZ series, "Small Business Shoutout," spotlighting local entrepreneurs who are making big impacts in their neighborhoods. Whether she’s behind the news desk or visiting your favorite business, Tiffany is all about celebrating the people who keep our communities thriving.

Marwa Osman is the creator of @thecitylists, a platform that curates the best things to do, see, and eat in Massachusetts and beyond. She began her career as a graphic designer, working with local brands and Hilton Worldwide before launching her own business in brand strategy, design, and social media for lifestyle and hospitality clients.

While experimenting with her own content, a few TikToks featuring local recommendations went viral—sparking the creation of The City Lists. Now with over 190K followers across platforms, Marwa continues to share unique and creative experiences with an engaged community.

Veteran Owned Business of the Year:

A former Platoon Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Park transitioned into entrepreneurship as a civilian and operated multiple successful businesses, including Logan Currito at Boston’s Logan Airport. Today, after completing SBA’s THRIVE program and certifying his business in the SBA’s 8(a) program, Chan is actively expanding into government contracting.

Woman Owned Business of the Year:

Darcia started her career processing Medicaid long term care applications, learning the process for applying and came to the realization that she could provide a better, more personalized service for aging seniors and families in need of guidance. Silver Lining Solutions was started at Darcia’s dining room table and later expanded multiple times, including a second office in New Hampshire.

Microenterprise of the Year:

Dr. Little started offering free gigs on Craigslist as an experiment and found traction for her storytelling business within months. Ten years later, Tariana purchased a 3,400 square foot commercial building in Lynn, MA with support from the SBA’s 504 program, Eastern Bank and Bay Colony Development Corporation.

Homebased Business of the Year:

Denielle and Thyme are spearheading a movement towards wellness in the workplace, ensuring women have the essential resources they need, wherever they are. The company transformed from a consumer brand to a B2B focused company, expanding sales to Canada with the support of an SBA STEP grant.

Small Manufacturer of the Year:

Michael recently completed SBA’s THRIVE program, allowing him to implement practical improvements and fiscal management techniques that will help sustain the 100-year-old family business for generations into the future. The bread manufacturer received SBA covid-relief assistance in the form of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans.

Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year:

Since opening in 2003, Sugar & Spice has grown as a beloved Thai cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Cambridge, MA. Amy recently completed the SBA’s THRIVE program and is expanding with the launch of Tom Yum Yang into a new location in the Allston neighborhood of Boston. Supported by the City of Boston’s SPACE Grant, Amy has taken the baton from her mother Penjan in elevating the business to the next level today employing over 30 staff.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:

Jon Katz founded BLENDi with a vision to make healthy living more accessible, creating a portable blender for shakes and mixed cocktails. Utilizing counseling support from the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, BLENDi has demonstrated steady growth with a 30% increase in sales this year.

Financial Services Champion of the Year:

Shawn is Salem Five’s most prolific SBA lender, utilizing the 7(a) and 504 programs to assist customers in achieving their small business goals and dreams. Mr. Ford has served his community in a variety of capacities including Board of Directors at Centerboard; Board of Directors at The Wish Project; Board of Directors at Junior Achievement, NH; Volunteer for Special Olympics of NH; Volunteer for Entrepreneurship for All; and Volunteer for Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Small Business Person of the Year:

As the owner of two Fresscafe locations in the MetroWest area (Framingham and Natick), Pablah has been a remarkable giving force in the community – leading downtown revitalization efforts, providing a gathering space for organizers, supporting charitable causes, and hosting important events. The business received covid-relief assistance to bounceback from the pandemic in the form of Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Details on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, and more are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed.

Please register and stay tuned for more updates.

Another way to meet fellow business owners / entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week and get expert advice is to join the SBA's FREE 2-day virtual summit.

The National Small Business Week 2-day virtual summit is happening Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

This year’s event will include educational presentations by experts, exhibit booths, free business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms, and expert business advice from SCORE mentors.

The event is free to view for both established and aspiring business owners. However, you must first register to gain entry.

Interactive Experience
Connect with like-minded business owners, receive real-time guidance from industry mentors, and gather resources specifically designed for small business success.

• Expert-led Webinars covering vital business topics to help you stay competitive
• Direct Access to Business Experts for personalized guidance and advice
• Networking Opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders
• Free Business Tools you can implement immediately
• Innovative Solutions from leading sponsors to streamline your operations
• Government Resource Guide to funding, contracts and support programs
• Inspiring Success Stories from business owners who have overcome similar challenges

Also check out other Business events in Boston, Virtual events in Boston, Workshops in Boston.