Christopher Swasey, Partner/General Manager, Lewis Creek Builders
Natalie Beckwith, Partner/Operations Manager, Lewis Creek Builders
Awardee in competition for National Small Business Person of the Year to be presented during National Small Business Week in May
Vermont Business Magazine Today the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Vermont District Office is celebrating the Vermont Small Business Persons of the Year and 8 additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025.
The SBA will recognize Christopher Swasey and Natalie Beckwith of Lewis Creek Builders for their impact and economic contributions in Vermont. Lewis Creek Builders is a full-service residential design-build company in Williston. Since purchasing the business in 2017, Chris and Natalie have grown their team from six to thirty-six and significantly increased profitability, reporting 5-year growth of 217%.
The Vermont District Office will recognize the Vermont winners at a local ceremony in June. The other Vermont winners include:
- Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year: Connie Mendell and Hallie Mendell, The Linen Shop Co., Rochester
- Woman Owned Business of the Year: Laura Mack, lu•lu Ice Cream, Vergennes
- Veteran Owned Business of the Year, Vermont and New England Winner, Kevin Moyer, Vermont Frames and Foam Laminates, Starksboro
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Rory Shamlian, Rory Pots, Burlington
- Financial Services Champion: Cassandra Polhemus, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Montpelier
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Nathaniel Klein and Jacob Freedman, Treeline Terrains, North Ferrisburg
- Microenterprise of the Year, Vermont and New England Winner: Melissa Masters, Tanglebloom, Brookline
- Small Business Exporter: Kathleen Reilly and Oren Kronick, Vermont Violins, South Burlington
Along with awards ceremonies, the week will include a national small business roadshow with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, a two-day virtual summit, community events and educational sessions about manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and renowned speakers.
“National Small Business Week honors the risk takers, innovators and job creators that are the backbone of the American economy,” said Peter A. Steele, SBA New England Regional Administrator. “I congratulate the 9 winners in Vermont for this well-deserved recognition and their role in in fueling prosperity, spurring growth and creating job opportunities across Vermont and New England.”
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will acknowledge Christopher and Natalie, who are in the running for the National Small Business Person of the Year, on May 5 at the National Small Business Week kick off and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Vermont’s SBA award winners signify the local talent, resilience, and success of our vibrant small business communities across the state,” said Darcy Carter, SBA Vermont District Director. “We are proud of the achievements of this very special group of business owners.”
Details on National Small Business Week, the virtual summit, registrations and speakers are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: Montpelier, VERMONT — U.S. Small Business Administration’s Vermont District Office
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