BIRMINGHAM, AL– Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Alabama District Office announced local honorees for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW), May 3-9, 2026. Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, U.S. districts, and territories.
Pool Scouts of Huntsville, Rontario Hicks, Huntsville, Alabama
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama
Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan, Alabama
JIT Industries, Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle, Alabama
Program Management & Technology Services, Ruby Tuck, Montgomery, Alabama
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize the Alabama Small Business Person of the Year, and specialty award winners at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2026. Selected from among a competitive field of nominees from across the state, Lang Sims will represent Alabama at the national event in D.C. SBA’s Alabama District Office staff will also celebrate all the Alabama awardees who exemplify entrepreneurial success, create jobs, drive economic growth, and serve as leaders in their communities at awards ceremonies in Alabama in May.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “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.”
Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy.
“Through the leadership of President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler we have witnessed incredible changes, growth and opportunity for the entrepreneurs located across the Southeast Region,” said SBA Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa. “We are excited to celebrate the strength and commitment of this year’s National Small Business Week winners, and we look forward to honoring each of their contributions during celebrations occurring across the region during National Small Business Week. Congratulations to each of the selected winners and thank you for trusting SBA as a collaborator to scale your small business or organization to new heights.”
Details on NSBW, award winners, and a Small Business Virtual Summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. During NSBW, local events to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and are identifiable by searching #SmallBusinessWeek.
Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Pool Scouts of Huntsville, Rontario Hicks, Huntsville, Alabama
In 2022, U.S. Army Veteran Rontario Hicks launched a luxury pool service and maintenance provider committed to customer service excellence. Hicks has also been recognized on television, magazines, and media platforms for sharing guidance on responsible pool ownership, safety practices, and has been recognized nationally within the franchise industry. For the business, Hicks has benefited from SBA resource partner counseling on a range of topics supporting the strategic growth of the business. While the business is still relatively young, Pool Scouts of Huntsville has achieved significant growth in web traffic, increased square footage from 400 to 2000 sq ft, added employees from 2 to 12, and grown sales by 380 percent in three years. Grounded in faith, purpose, and service, Hicks continues to strengthen and expand the company with long term sustainable growth in mind.
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville
Since becoming CEO of the 8(a) government contractor in 2014, Lang Sims has transformed Seabrook Solutions from a startup into a nationwide organization. Utilizing an SBA-backed loan for initial capital, the SBA Emerging Leaders Program for strategy, and the Mentor-Protégé Program to secure a multi-million dollar contract, Sims has led the firm to massive success. Under her guidance, the company grew from four to over 350 employees, saw revenues jump 282%, and expanded into a larger headquarters.
Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan
Founded in 2009, this family-owned dairy goat farm evolved when Mia Scott began breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and producing handcrafted soaps. With support from the University of Troy SBDC and SBA technical assistance for marketing and e-commerce, Scott transitioned the farm into a formal business in 2022. The farm now employs two part-time staff, offers apprenticeships, and supplies 11 local retailers. Scott is currently planning for expansion beyond Alabama.
JIT Industries, Inc., Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle
Launched in 2001 with a single facility, JIT Industries has grown into a multi-state manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders. Supported by early SBA 504 and 7(a) financing, the company expanded into CNC machining, engineering, and repair services. Today, JIT employs 50 people and serves heavy industries—including aerospace and mining—across the Southeast and in over 15 countries.
Program Management & Technology Services, Inc., Ruby Tuck, Montgomery
Founded in 2013, Ruby Tuck has built PMTS into a competitive woman-owned 8(a) business providing IT and medical staffing. After using COVID-19 relief to maintain stability, Tuck utilized the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program to develop a strategic growth plan. These efforts allowed PMTS to increase employee capacity by 70%, expand its office space significantly, and leverage SBA certifications to win contracts across nine states.
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.
Pool Scouts
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Pool Scouts of Huntsville owner, Rontario Hicks, will be recognized during the National Small Business Week as a Honoree for his significant growth and work within the Huntsville business community.
BIRMINGHAM, AL– Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Alabama District Office announced local honorees for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW), May 3-9, 2026. Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, U.S. districts, and territories.
Pool Scouts of Huntsville, Rontario Hicks, Huntsville, Alabama
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama
Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan, Alabama
JIT Industries, Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle, Alabama
Program Management & Technology Services, Ruby Tuck, Montgomery, Alabama
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize the Alabama Small Business Person of the Year, and specialty award winners at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2026. Selected from among a competitive field of nominees from across the state, Lang Sims will represent Alabama at the national event in D.C. SBA’s Alabama District Office staff will also celebrate all the Alabama awardees who exemplify entrepreneurial success, create jobs, drive economic growth, and serve as leaders in their communities at awards ceremonies in Alabama in May.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “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.”
Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy.
“Through the leadership of President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler we have witnessed incredible changes, growth and opportunity for the entrepreneurs located across the Southeast Region,” said SBA Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa. “We are excited to celebrate the strength and commitment of this year’s National Small Business Week winners, and we look forward to honoring each of their contributions during celebrations occurring across the region during National Small Business Week. Congratulations to each of the selected winners and thank you for trusting SBA as a collaborator to scale your small business or organization to new heights.”
Details on NSBW, award winners, and a Small Business Virtual Summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. During NSBW, local events to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and are identifiable by searching #SmallBusinessWeek.
Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Pool Scouts of Huntsville, Rontario Hicks, Huntsville, Alabama
In 2022, U.S. Army Veteran Rontario Hicks launched a luxury pool service and maintenance provider committed to customer service excellence. Hicks has also been recognized on television, magazines, and media platforms for sharing guidance on responsible pool ownership, safety practices, and has been recognized nationally within the franchise industry. For the business, Hicks has benefited from SBA resource partner counseling on a range of topics supporting the strategic growth of the business. While the business is still relatively young, Pool Scouts of Huntsville has achieved significant growth in web traffic, increased square footage from 400 to 2000 sq ft, added employees from 2 to 12, and grown sales by 380 percent in three years. Grounded in faith, purpose, and service, Hicks continues to strengthen and expand the company with long term sustainable growth in mind.
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville
Since becoming CEO of the 8(a) government contractor in 2014, Lang Sims has transformed Seabrook Solutions from a startup into a nationwide organization. Utilizing an SBA-backed loan for initial capital, the SBA Emerging Leaders Program for strategy, and the Mentor-Protégé Program to secure a multi-million dollar contract, Sims has led the firm to massive success. Under her guidance, the company grew from four to over 350 employees, saw revenues jump 282%, and expanded into a larger headquarters.
Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan
Founded in 2009, this family-owned dairy goat farm evolved when Mia Scott began breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and producing handcrafted soaps. With support from the University of Troy SBDC and SBA technical assistance for marketing and e-commerce, Scott transitioned the farm into a formal business in 2022. The farm now employs two part-time staff, offers apprenticeships, and supplies 11 local retailers. Scott is currently planning for expansion beyond Alabama.
JIT Industries, Inc., Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle
Launched in 2001 with a single facility, JIT Industries has grown into a multi-state manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders. Supported by early SBA 504 and 7(a) financing, the company expanded into CNC machining, engineering, and repair services. Today, JIT employs 50 people and serves heavy industries—including aerospace and mining—across the Southeast and in over 15 countries.
Program Management & Technology Services, Inc., Ruby Tuck, Montgomery
Founded in 2013, Ruby Tuck has built PMTS into a competitive woman-owned 8(a) business providing IT and medical staffing. After using COVID-19 relief to maintain stability, Tuck utilized the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program to develop a strategic growth plan. These efforts allowed PMTS to increase employee capacity by 70%, expand its office space significantly, and leverage SBA certifications to win contracts across nine states.
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.
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