Lewises earn statewide accolade for small business

A couple of local business owners will be up for a national accolade in May.

Kim Caudle Lewis and Larry Lewis Jr. were recently named the Small Business Person of the Year for the state of Alabama by the United States Small Business Administration.

The administration will select the nationwide recipient during National Small Business Week held May 4 through 10. A small business person of the year is selected from all 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,” Kim Caudle Lewis said. “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.”

The couple owns PROJECTXYZ Inc. in Huntsville, while Larry Lewis also owns Superhero Chefs in Tuscumbia.

According to the company’s website, PROJECTXYZ is a technical solutions company using its expertise to solve problems and deliver results for federal and commercial customers at various locations, both domestic and international.

“…We provide expertise in the research, design, development, integration, and sustainment of innovative solutions in engineering for federal customers, manufacturing, logistics, information technology, and alternative energy,” according to the site. “Founded in 2002, PROJECTXYZ is a minority woman-owned small business and nationally certified by the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council.”

Acting SBA Alabama District Director Janita R. Stewart said PROJECTXYZ is a great example of a local small business empowering Alabama’s economy.

“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,” Stewart said. “SBA is proud to recognize The Lewis’ as Alabama’s 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year.”

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will name the National Small Business Person of the Year during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., to kick off the week.

“For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has honored the risk takers, innovators and job creators who are the backbone of the American economy,” Loeffler said. “I congratulate the more than 50 state and territory winners on their recognition and look forward to this week of education and appreciation for entrepreneurship – as we highlight the small business owners who fuel prosperity, growth, and opportunity in communities across our country.”