News Summary
Kim and Larry Lewis, owners of PROJECTXYZ, Inc., have been honored as Alabama’s Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. SBA, marking a historic achievement for the state. They will be celebrated in Washington, D.C. on May 4-5, 2025, recognizing their contributions to local economic growth and community engagement. This award underscores the significance of small businesses in Alabama’s economy.
Huntsville – Kim and Larry Lewis, the owners of PROJECTXYZ, Inc., have been recognized as Alabama’s Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This prestigious announcement took place in March 2025, highlighting the achievements of small business owners not only in Alabama but across the nation.
Alongside winners from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, the Lewis couple will be honored during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., scheduled for May 4-5, 2025. In addition to receiving individual awards, they will also witness the announcement of the overall National Small Business Person of the Year and a special recognition for the runner-up.
Kim Lewis noted that this recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of their entire team at PROJECTXYZ, Inc. She expressed the significance of small businesses in communities, emphasizing that they are essential in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
Impact of PROJECTXYZ, Inc.
Founded in 2002, PROJECTXYZ, Inc. is an established player in the Huntsville area, offering a wide array of services that include engineering, manufacturing, broadcasting, and foreign military sales, as well as logistics, alternative energy, and information technology. The company serves a diverse clientele, including both federal agencies and commercial enterprises, showcasing its expertise in research, design, development, integration, and sustainment. The company’s broad capabilities underscore its role as a vital contributor to the local economy.
Recognition of Small Businesses in Alabama
According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are more than 449,000 small businesses operating in Alabama, illustrating the importance of these enterprises to the state’s economic landscape. The acting SBA Alabama District Director, Janita R. Stewart, emphasized PROJECTXYZ, Inc. as a prime example of how local small businesses play a critical role in supporting Alabama’s economy.
In addition to the Lewis’s recognition, the Alabama Small Business Development Network also facilitated state-level acknowledgments for other businesses based on their revenue growth, expansion of physical space, job creation, resilience during challenging times, and contributions to local communities. This focus on local business development underscores the meaningful impact small businesses have on job creation and community engagement.
Historical Significance
This year marks a significant milestone as it is the first occasion an Alabama-based company or owner has received this national award since the program’s inception in 1971. This achievement not only honors the hard work of the Lewis couple and their team but also signifies the overall strength and potential of small businesses throughout Alabama.
The recognition of Kim and Larry Lewis represents more than just a personal accomplishment for them; it highlights the collective effort of small business owners across the state who strive for excellence, innovation, and community service. As they prepare for the upcoming celebration in the nation’s capital, their story serves as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforcing the vital role that small businesses play in shaping a resilient and dynamic economy.
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Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- Huntsville Business Journal
- WAAY TV
- Hville Blast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Impact
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
