Success stories
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Building the Future of Manufacturing One Skill at a Time
Olson Custom Designs (OCD), headquartered in Indianapolis, is redefining what a modern machine shop can be. This high-tech manufacturing and training facility turns out precision components for the...
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Thriving in the America’s Rural Heartland
In the Heartland, rural entrepreneurs don’t simply weather challenges—they rise to meet them. And few stories capture that spirit better than the journey of K & K Dirtworks in Evanston. The company’s...
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Deep Roots, Bold Spirits, and a Modern Vision
In 1843, Simon Huber left Baden‑Baden, Germany with his family and a vision for a new life on 80 fertile acres in Southern Indiana. He planted apple trees—simple beginnings that would grow into a...
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Marie Louise Fine Garment Cleaners Uses SBA Support to Grow a Trusted Hawaii Dry Cleaning Business
The Honolulu-based small business has grown from a seven-person shop into a 21-employee operation with support from SBA lending and training programs. Marie Louise Fine Garment Cleaners, founded by...
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Derek Ezovski: Powering Small Business Growth by Clearing the Path to “Yes”
When lenders face complex environmental questions, deals can stall—and small businesses can miss their moment. Derek Ezovski saw that gap and built a solution. In 2009, Derek founded Outsourced Risk...
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2026 Maine Small Businesspersons of the Year, Custom Composite Technologies
Maureen, Stephen, and Nathaniel Hassett Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. Small Business Persons of the Year Nominated by Jennifer Boutin, SBDC For the past 25 years Maureen and Steve Hassett have...
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2026 New England Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Compotech, Inc.
Compotech, Inc. Maine and New England Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Nominated by Andrew Dorr, Machias Savings Bank Manufacturing businesses can often rely on traditional industries to build...
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2026 MicroEnterprise of the Year Rick’s Redemption
In Maine, one of the important but often overlooked businesses in town is the redemption center. It’s where students and sports teams raise money for their programs, and where huge amounts of cans and...