The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently hosted the Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony to recognize outstanding small business champions from across the country. The event, held in celebration of National Small Business Week, highlighted the significant contributions of EPA programs, employees, and business partners.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan commended the honorees, stating, “Celebrating EPA’s small business championship as part of National Small Business Week appropriately spotlights the exceptional contributions of the agency and its partners to the historic small business boom the country has witnessed over the last three years.”

In Fiscal Year 2023, EPA increased the total amount of contract dollars awarded to small and socioeconomic businesses, with a 3.7% increase in dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses. The agency continues its efforts to address climate change through investments like the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports small clean-energy companies.

The awards ceremony recognized various categories of exemplary small business champions, including recipients such as Cherokee Nation System Solutions for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Tribal Contractor, Telesolv Consulting, LLC for Outstanding Accomplishments by a HUBZone Small Business Contractor, and Great Lakes Environmental Center for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business Contractor.

Notable individuals and teams were also acknowledged, such as the Houston Lab Procurement Team from Region 6 and Seneca Anderson for Outstanding Accomplishments in Supporting Small Businesses Impacted by EPA Regulations.

Additionally, the Office of Inspector General, Office of Research and Development, and Region 7 were recognized with Director’s Awards for exceeding small business goals. The ceremony also featured the presentation of Crystal Duck Awards to individuals like Wesley J. Carpenter, Tommie L. Madison, Jr., Koni B. Fritz, and Jennifer Erickson for their contributions to small business initiatives within the EPA.

The Administrator’s 34th Annual Small Business Programs Award Ceremony underscored the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships with small businesses and promoting their accomplishments in various sectors.