News Summary
Michael Haldeman, owner of SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop, has been awarded South Carolina’s State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. SBA. This prestigious recognition celebrates his innovative business practices and community contributions. Haldeman will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year award during National Small Business Week. Senator Lindsey Graham plans to visit SpokeWorks to personally congratulate him. The initiative highlights vital roles small businesses play in economic growth and job creation, with additional awards recognizing others from South Carolina for their excellence in business leadership.
South Carolina – Michael Haldeman, the owner of SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop in Summerville, has been named South Carolina’s State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This recognition highlights Haldeman’s remarkable business growth, innovative practices, and significant contributions to his local community.
As part of this honor, Haldeman will compete on a national stage for the National Small Business Person of the Year award, with the final competition set to occur on May 5 during the National Small Business Week kickoff and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This announcement comes as part of the broader recognition of small businesses across the nation during a week dedicated to celebrating their contributions to economic growth and job creation.
Melissa Lindler, the South Carolina SBA District Director, stated that these awards serve to recognize outstanding small businesses and lenders that foster job creation and economic prosperity throughout the state. The ceremonies will include various categories, such as the Female Small Business Person of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, showcasing the variety of excellence within the small business sector.
In acknowledgment of his achievement, Senator Lindsey Graham’s office announced that he plans to visit SpokeWorks in late April to congratulate Haldeman personally. This visit not only marks an important recognition for Haldeman but also signifies the support small businesses receive from local leaders.
Haldeman’s SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop is well-regarded in the community for its commitment to customer service, cycling advocacy, and active involvement in local events. Under Haldeman’s leadership, the workshop has set a standard for how small businesses can successfully engage with and give back to their communities.
During the National Small Business Week, which will run from May 4 to May 10, there will also be a national roadshow featuring SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. This event will encompass a virtual summit with sessions that focus on critical topics like digital marketing, cybersecurity, and manufacturing, all tailored for small business owners looking to enhance their operational effectiveness.
In addition to Haldeman, other South Carolina business figures will be recognized at the National Small Business Week event. Lisa Tanner from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is set to receive the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, while Darris Stoll from Stoll Industries has been named the Small Business Exporter of the Year. These awards signify the state’s rich history of strong business leadership and innovation.
The culmination of these recognitions will take place at the 12th annual Small Business Week Conference in Columbia on May 9. This event will honor all award recipients and provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and learning among South Carolina’s business leaders.
The Small Business Administration’s initiative to recognize exceptional small businesses aims not only to celebrate their achievements but also to inspire others within the community. Haldeman’s recognition reflects the hard work and dedication necessary to run a successful business while also positively impacting the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: South Carolina small businesses
- Charleston Business
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship in South Carolina
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
