Success stories
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2026 Small Business Persons of the Year: Mark Doble and Walter D. "Buddy" Everhart, Jr. of Aviator Brewing Company
What began in 2008 as a small brewery in an airplane hangar has expanded into multiple offerings and venues, including the Aviator Brewery & Taproom, the Hangar Bar, the SmokeHouse, the Pizzeria &...
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2026 Phoenix Award for Disaster Recovery: Corner Kitchen
Kevin Westmoreland and Joe Scully founded Corner Kitchen in 2004 in the heart of Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village. For more than 20 years, the restaurant has served handcrafted, Southern-inspired...
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2026 SBA North Carolina Rural Small Business of the Year: Doc Terra Mobile Veterinary Services
Dr. Terra Smith is a North Carolina trained veterinarian and military spouse whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to hard work, service, and professional excellence. Raised on a small horse...
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2026 Exporter of the Year: Mojotone
Mojotone is a guitar and amplifier electronics supplier, custom and vintage reproduction speaker cabinet builder, and world-class guitar pickup manufacturer serving customers across the globe from its...
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2026 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: J&M Memorials
Matthew and Josephine Shoaf are the second-generation owners of J&M Memorials, a memorial and monument (grave marker) family business now entering its third generation. In 2021, the Shoafs made the...
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International and Beyond
Prior to SBA assistance, Farm Fresh Produce Inc. brokered produce from various vendors and resold prepackaged products to customers. Purchasing produce from vendors made it difficult to manage and...
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Wetland Plants Inc.
Shifting from a career in the field of medicine, Ellen Colodney, MD desired a new profession serving the environment. So, in 1999, she opened Wetland Plants in Edenton, North Carolina. Colodney’s goal...
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Sun Dragon Art & Fiber
Three years ago, Sun Dragon Art & Fiber opened its doors in Brevard, North Carolina with Rebecca Smith at the helm of the 500 square-foot, woman-owned yarn and art supply store. In 2016, Smith was...