A Huntsville-based entrepreneurial couple has received the honor of being named Alabama’s 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year.
Recognizing Excellence in Alabama Business
Kim and Larry Lewis, co-founders of PROJECTXYZ, Inc., earned this prestigious title from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The announcement came in March as part of the SBA’s annual recognition of outstanding small business leaders across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam. The award celebrates their commitment to innovation, growth, and community impact.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” Kim Lewis said. “It reflects the dedication of our amazing team. Small businesses play a vital role in our communities by creating jobs and sparking innovation. We’re proud to be part of that effort and excited to keep investing in Alabama’s future.”
The Impact of PROJECTXYZ, Inc.
PROJECTXYZ, Inc. is a Huntsville-based technical solutions firm that provides services to federal and commercial clients in both the U.S. and abroad. Their work spans multiple industries and focuses on delivering results through tailored problem-solving. Acting Alabama SBA District Director Janita R. Stewart praised the Lewises for their leadership and contributions to the state’s economy, highlighting them as a model for over 449,000 small businesses operating across Alabama.
“These business leaders exemplify how small companies drive economic development in Alabama,” Stewart noted. “The Lewises are leading by example.”
Honoring Additional Alabama Entrepreneurs
Alongside the Lewises, three other Alabama businesses received state-level recognition:
Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year: Duane Tolbert, Tolbert Insurance Agency, Inc., Oneonta
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Sean Chappell, Southern Sun Laundry, Foley
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Lori Purnell, Spencer Environmental Consultants, LLC, Birmingham
These awards acknowledge accomplishments such as revenue growth, physical expansion, job creation, resilience, and community involvement.
All 53 state and territory winners have been invited to Washington, D.C., for national recognition on May 4–5. There, the SBA will announce the national winner and celebrate top finalists.
While no Alabama company has ever taken home the national honor since the award began in 1971, this year may offer a historic first.
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