BIRMINGHAM, AL – On April 1, 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.
Two Huntsville business owners were recognized:
Alabama Small Business Person of the Year:
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Ala.
Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year:
Pool Scouts of Huntsville, Rontario Hicks, Huntsville, Ala.
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 Small Business Person of the Year
Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Ala.
Seabrook Solutions is an 8(a) Business Development program government contractor headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama providing operations, maintenance, engineering, and information technology services to federal clients. Since becoming CEO in 2014, Sims has led the company’s growth from a small startup to a nationwide organization supporting federal customers. The company has utilized several SBA programs throughout its development. An SBA-backed loan in 2013 provided initial capital to establish operations, pursue early federal work, and build core business systems. In 2019,
Sims participated in the SBA Emerging Leaders Program which supported long-term strategy development. In 2020, the company entered the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, forming a joint venture that contributed to securing a significant several million dollar federal contract in 2023 expanding its workforce and capabilities. Sims has guided the company through many challenges, and the company has demonstrated significant growth, from four employees to more than 350 employees across multiple locations nationwide. Their revenues have grown by 282 percent, the company expanded its corporate headquarters to a larger facility, and the company launched a new website, which consistently draws a significant number of visitors each month.
Sims is a native of Falkville, Ala. and a University of Alabama in Huntsville graduate.
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 2,000 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.
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.
Cosponsorship Authorization #26-1-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
