By Apollo Fuhriman
Pacific Northwest Regional Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration

It’s that time of year again – time to recognize and celebrate the powerhouses of our communities: America’s small businesses.

Locally, Courtni and Stephen Doherty, owners of Circle Creek Therapy in Auburn were named ‘Small Business Persons of the Year’ by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The U.S. Small Business Administration encourages you to mark your calendars for National Small Business Week, which runs from May 4 through 10. This is a prime time to consider launching your own business and to pay tribute to the hardworking entrepreneurs who are the heart and soul of our communities.

This year’s celebration rides a wave of exciting developments. The National Federation of Independent Business reports that small business optimism has topped the 51-year average every month since December 2024. Small businesses are creating two out of every three net new private sector jobs and our nation’s 34 million small businesses now account for an astonishing 44% of U.S. economic activity.

Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Our region is a hub of innovation, home to thousands of entrepreneurs whose passion and efforts create unique products and services while contributing to the vibrancy of our communities. These businesses are integral to local economies, provide vital employment and are at the forefront of leadership and engagement within our communities.

As Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest, it is my pleasure to recognize and thank these incredible businesspeople. I’m especially pleased to introduce you to the 2025 National Small Business Week award winners in Washington.

Washington

Small Business Persons of the Year:

Courtni and Stephen Doherty, Owners, Circle Creek Therapy, Auburn

8(a) Graduate of the Year (also Pacific NW Region winner):

Shannon Sevigny, Owner, RJS Construction, Yakima

Rural Small Business of the Year:

Vicki Hebert, Owner, Smugglers Cove Flagging, Friday Harbor

Microenterprise of the Year:

Makieda Hart, Owner, Sgt. Hart’s BBQ Sauce, Olympia

Entrepreneurial Success:

Carmen Cobin, Owner, Yo Soy Unico Daycare, Federal Way

Women’s Business Center (Pacific NW Region winner):

Washington Center for Women’s Business in Olympia led by Ashley Whitley, Director

While we recognize these outstanding individuals and companies, it’s also important to remember that every small business owner who takes a risk, creates a job and serves their community is a champion in their own right. It takes dedication, perseverance and vision to start, run and grow a business . . . and our communities and country are better for it!

The SBA is the federal agency dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary for small businesses to launch, grow and succeed. We facilitate access to capital via SBA-backed loans, offer learning platforms and mentoring to entrepreneurs, provide training for accessing contracting opportunities and help businesses with disaster recovery and resilience.

For those who harbor the dream of entrepreneurship, please know that the SBA is here to help you turn that dream into a reality. President Trump and his administration stand alongside America’s small businesses and are implementing programs to clear the way for their success. In addition to a strong emphasis on regulatory reform and the agency’s reorganization to better deliver services, the SBA has launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative to support small manufacturers throughout our nation. Visit sba.gov to explore the resources available to small businesses including guidance on writing a business plan, connecting with mentoring and funding possibilities.

Congratulations again to the Pacific Northwest National Small Business Week winners and thank you to all of the industrious entrepreneurs making magic happen every day!