SBA Western PA District Office Announces Local Honorees for National Small Business Week 2026

Awards recognize exceptional small businesses across the region

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:09pm

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Western PA District Office has announced the local honorees for National Small Business Week 2026. The awards recognize exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, as well as U.S. districts and territories, with winners to be honored in Washington, D.C. on May 3rd at the SBA National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony.

Why it matters

The annual National Small Business Week celebrates the critical role that small businesses play in fueling the nation's economy and anchoring local communities. This year's honorees highlight the strength of small businesses in Western Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region, showcasing the impact of pro-growth policies and the resilience of Main Street.

The details

The 2026 Local Awards Winners include VAP Steel (Manufacturer of the Year), Mary Mancini Hartner of Mancini's Bakery (Small Business Person of the Year), John Levi Esh, Jr. of Goot Essa (Rural Small Business Person of the Year), Nathaniel Schiffer of Schiffer's Custom Cabinetry (Blue-Collar Small Business Person of the Year), and Revolution Energy Services (Small Business Director's Choice Award).

  • National Small Business Week will take place from May 3 - 9, 2026.
  • The SBA National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony will be held on May 3, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

The players

VAP Steel

A manufacturing company based in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that was named the Western PA District, Pennsylvania, and Mid-Atlantic Region Manufacturer of the Year.

Mary Mancini Hartner

The owner of Mancini's Bakery in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, who was named the Western PA District Small Business Person of the Year.

John Levi Esh, Jr.

The owner of Goot Essa in Howard, Pennsylvania, who was named the Western PA District Rural Small Business Person of the Year.

Nathaniel Schiffer

The owner of Schiffer's Custom Cabinetry in Seneca, Pennsylvania, who was named the Western PA District Blue-Collar Small Business Person of the Year.

Revolution Energy Services

A small business based in McDonald, Pennsylvania that received the Western PA Small Business Director's Choice Award.

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What they’re saying

“During National Small Business Week, SBA is honored to recognize the job creators, builders, and innovators who fuel our nation's economy and anchor communities across America.”

— Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator

“This year, as we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, we are highlighting the historic America First agenda that is driving growth, opportunity, and strength for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America's small businesses – and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street.”

— Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator

What’s next

The SBA Western PA District Office will host events throughout National Small Business Week to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed.

The takeaway

This year's National Small Business Week honorees showcase the resilience and innovation of small businesses in Western Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region, underscoring the importance of pro-growth policies that support entrepreneurship and Main Street.