Huntsville couple named as Small Business Persons of the Year for Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A Huntsville small business couple has been named as the Small Business Persons of the Year for Alabama.

Kim and Larry Lewis are the owners of PROJECTXYZ, Inc. in Huntsville.

In March, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Lewis’ were awarded as the Alabama Small Business Persons of the Year! Winners were selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

“Larry and I are honored to be named Alabama’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our incredible team. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we are proud to be part of a network of entrepreneurs who drive growth, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders. We look forward to continuing to invest and engage in Alabama’s small business landscape,” Kim Lewis said.

“PROJECTXYZ, INC. is a great example of a local small business empowering the state of Alabama’s economy,” Janita R. Stewart, SBA Alabama District Director (acting), said. “In accordance with the SBA’s Office of Advocacy’s most recent Small Business Profiles, there are more than 449,000 small businesses in Alabama contributing to the state’s economy, and business owners like Kimberly and Larry Lewis are helping to lead the way. SBA is proud to recognize The Lewis’ as Alabama’s 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year!”

In addition to this nationally recognized award, three businesses were recognized at the state level.

• Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Duane Tolbert, Tolbert Insurance Agency, Inc., Oneonta, AL
• Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Sean Chappell, Southern Sun Laundry, Foley, AL
• Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: CEO Lori Purnell, Spencer Environmental Consultants, LLC, Birmingham, AL

“These awards recognize businesses for their growth in revenues, growth in physical space, in job creation, their resilience through challenges, and/or contributions to their local communities,” the Alabama Small Business Development Network said.

PROJECTXYZ, Inc. said all 53 winners were invited to attend ceremonies in Washington D.C. on May 4-5, where they will be honored with their award along with special recognition of the runner-up and the naming of the overall 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year.

Since 1971, the U.S. SBA has announced a National Small Business Person of the Year. An Alabama-based company/owner has never won the award.

You can learn more about these businesses recognized on the Alabama Small Business Development Network website here.