News Summary
Michael Haldeman, owner of SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop in Summerville, SC, has been recognized as the State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This honor reflects his business’s growth and contributions to the local community. Haldeman will be celebrated during the National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. A visit from Senator Lindsey Graham to congratulate him underscores the local significance of his achievement. The event highlights the importance of small businesses in job creation and economic development.
Summerville, South Carolina – Michael Haldeman, the proprietor of SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop, has been named South Carolina’s State Small Business Person of the Year. This prestigious designation comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recognizing Haldeman’s impressive business growth, innovative practices, and significant contributions to the local community.
The award, announced by South Carolina SBA District Director Melissa Lindler, emphasizes the vital role that small businesses play in creating jobs and enhancing economic prosperity within their communities. As a result of this recognition, Haldeman is scheduled to be honored at the National Small Business Week awards ceremony, which will take place on May 5 in Washington, D.C. He is among the select few who will compete for the title of National Small Business Person of the Year.
In preparation for the upcoming awards ceremony, Senator Lindsey Graham’s office has announced intentions for the senator to visit SpokeWorks and personally congratulate Haldeman in late April. This local support highlights the importance of Haldeman’s achievements in the surrounding community.
SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop’s Impact
SpokeWorks, located in Summerville, is known for its dedication to exceptional customer service and a strong commitment to cycling advocacy. Under Haldeman’s leadership, the business has shown consistent growth while actively supporting local biking initiatives. This dual focus not only elevates the business but also reinforces the community’s health and well-being through cycling promotion.
During the National Small Business Week, a series of events, including a national roadshow led by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, will include a virtual summit. The summit will cover essential topics for small business owners, such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, and manufacturing best practices, further showcasing the SBA’s commitment to empowering small businesses across the nation.
Additional Recognitions and Events
At the National Small Business Week ceremony, other business leaders from South Carolina will also receive recognition. Among them, Lisa Tanner will be honored with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, while Darris Stoll will receive the Small Business Exporter of the Year award. State-level awards will be presented in categories such as Female Small Business Person of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
A key event, the 12th annual Small Business Week Conference, is scheduled for May 9 in Columbia, South Carolina, where the state award winners will be honored. This conference provides an excellent opportunity for networking and professional development within the small business community. It showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic growth and creates jobs in the state.
Background on National Small Business Week
National Small Business Week is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of small businesses to the economy. It provides a platform for recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation and growth within the industry. The SBA’s initiatives are designed to support small business owners through education, resources, and networking opportunities.
For those interested in exploring more about National Small Business Week events, further information can be found on the SBA’s official website. The week serves as a reminder of how essential small businesses are to their communities and the broader economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: SpokeWorks Bicycle Workshop
- Charleston Business
- Google Scholar: Small Business Impact
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- New York Post
- Google News: Summerville South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
