Augusta, Maine – The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to announce that Janie Wang, Owner of Modernist Pantry, LLC in Eliot has been selected to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 Small Business Person of the Year Award for Maine.

“Janie’s commitment to seeking new opportunities, and to the quality of her products, serves as a powerful example to all entrepreneurs,” said Amy Bassett, SBA District Director for Maine.  “We are so pleased that SBA’s 504 loan program, in conjunction with financing through Bangor Savings Bank, supported the growth of this niche business in Maine. We look forward to further assisting Janie as she continues to grow her business and expand sales internationally” added Bassett.  

Ms. Wang’s company provides high quality, specialty cooking ingredients, as well as unique kitchen tools and gadgets through E-commerce. In addition to supplying top restaurants and specialty food manufacturers all over the world, Modernist Pantry also caters to adventurous home cooks. The company's product line has grown from a dozen, to well over 400 items. Janie was selected for this award because of her business growth over the past 7 years, the innovative idea behind the business, and her service to her community.

Ms. Wang was nominated for this award by Robert Nadeau of Bangor Savings Bank and Dana Lee, Town Manager of Eliot.

“It is a huge honor to be nominated and win this award, but the real credit goes to the hardworking team at Modernist Pantry that makes it happen every day. Eliot is a truly wonderful community to live and work in, we're lucky to be here.” said Wang. “We are very grateful to the Small Business Administration for supporting our move from New Hampshire, enabling us to bring jobs and opportunity back into Maine.” added Ms. Wang.

Ms. Wang will be honored at the 2019 SBA Small Business Awards Celebration on May 15, 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street in Freeport.  For more information about the event, please visit the Maine District Office’s website www.sba.gov/me or contact Keith Lind at keith.lind@sba.gov or 207-622-8551.

Other award winners who will be recognized at the event on May 15th are:

Maine and New England Home Based Business of the Year
Katheryn Langelier
Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary, LLC of Union

Maine Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year
Wade and Susan Kelly
Tylor Kelly Camps of Allagash

Maine Small Business Exporter of the Year
Kathleen O’Heron
Jynx Productions, LLC of Yarmouth

Maine Woman Owned Small Business of the Year
Amber Elliott
Alternative Wellness Services of Biddeford

Maine Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Tyler Frank
Garbage to Garden of Portland

Maine Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Brian Warren
The Village Woodworker of Oxford

Maine Minority Owned Small Business of the Year
Ahmed Abbas
Ameera Bread, LLC of Portland

Maine Micro-Enterprise of the Year
Jill Miller
The Maine Pie Co. of Biddeford

Maine Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Rebecca and Troy Delano
Alfred’s Upholstery & Co. of Alfred

Maine Financial Services Champion of the Year
Maine Technology Institute