Local Business Owner Named State Small Business Person of the Year

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