Rigorous hosted SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, center, in Williston last November. Courtesy photo.
All National Small Business Week 2026 Award Winners for Vermont Announced
Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its state and territory Small Business Persons of the Year for National Small Business Week (NSBW), which will take place from May 3 – 9, 2026. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize the state, territory, and specialty award winners at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3rd.
The SBA will recognize Diane Abruzzini and Colin Riggs of Rigorous Technology Inc for their impact and economic contributions in Vermont on June 11 at an event hosted by VermontBiz. Rigorous is an industrial robotics company based in Williston. Since founding Rigorous in 2020 as a homebased business, Diane and Colin have grown their operations to include a team of 12, currently occupying 10,000 square feet across multiple buildings.
Diane Abruzzini, Chief Operating Officer, Rigorous Technology
Colin Riggs, Chief Executive Officer, Rigorous Technology
“I am pleased to congratulate the SBA’s Small Business Week Award Winners from across New England and right here in Vermont,” said Peter A. Steele, SBA New England Regional Administrator. “From our farms and factory floors to the frontiers of technology, our local small business owners are working hard every day to drive innovation, strengthen local economies and provide the products and services that keep America competitive, secure and strong. Whether they are one-person operations or companies with hundreds of employees, these small businesses contribute to our local, regional and national economy, create good-paying jobs for our friends and families and enhance the vitality of our Main Streets and communities.”
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will acknowledge Diane and Colin, who are in the running for the National Small Business Person of the Year, on May 3 at the National Small Business Week kick off and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Vermont’s SBA award winners highlight the creativity, resilience, and achievements of our small business communities across the Green Mountain State,” said Adam Locklin, District Director, SBA Vermont District Office. “We are proud to celebrate this group of individuals and businesses powering Vermont’s economy.”
Rigorous: Diane Abruzzini Riggs and Colin Riggs, SBA winners 2026
The Vermont District Office will recognize the Vermont winners at the luncheon in June. The other Vermont winners include:
- Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year: Lindsay DesLauriers, Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton Valley
- Woman Owned Business of the Year: Jennifer Mayhew, Vermont Healthcare Consulting LLC, Williston
- Veteran Owned Business of the Year: Joy VerPlanck, JVP Creative Solutions LLC, Ripton
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Matthew Renna, Queen City Dry Goods LLC, Williston
- Microenterprise of the Year, Vermont and New England Winner: Debra Townsend and Hannah Townsend Allain, Douglas Sweets, Shelburne
- Small Business Exporter: Benjamin Clark, Ann Clark Ltd., Rutland
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
3.31.2026. Williston, VERMONT — U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
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