March 19, 2025

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Dakota district office has recognized six individuals and businesses with awards in honor of National Small Business Week.

The week is May 4-10.

“I congratulate each special award winner for their consistent advocacy of small business in their local communities,” said Bryson Patterson, district director. “Each of our winners have contributed to making South Dakota one of the best states in the nation to start, grow and expand a new small business.”

Tara Olson, owner of Valley Ag Supply, in Gayville, was named small business person of the year for South Dakota. The family-owned agronomy center that provides information, fertilizer, crop protection products and custom application services. The business employs 24 people and has utilized several SBA programs to grow and expand.

“Tara Olson not only has a very successful business but an incredible story to tell,” Patterson said. “Her business has become a critical fixture for the farming community in eastern South Dakota and western Iowa.”

Here are the other winners:

• South Dakota Small Business Exporter of the Year: Rob Hrabe of VRC Metal Systems, Box Elder

VRC Metal Systems specialize in cold spray technology. The business manufactures portable, high-pressure cold spray systems and provides process development for both government and private industry customers, allowing for fast, cost-effective restoration and repairs that otherwise would need to be replaced.

• South Dakota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: Kenita Jensen of Jensen Automotive, Belle Fourche

Jensen Automotive is a local farm and agriculture dealership that sells products such as tractors, side by sides, balers and hay cutters. It has multiple locations across western South Dakota.

• South Dakota Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year:  Stephanie Holman of FourFront Design, Rapid City

FourFront Design is based in Rapid City but operates across all 50 states. It offers a range of services, including architecture, landscape architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, CAD, BIM, interior design and electric vehicle services.

• South Dakota Women-Owned Small Business of the Year: Jackie Hoven and Darci Ford of Spot-On Printing, Watertown/Groton and Webster/Volga

Spot-On Printing offers embroidery, screen printing, laser engraving, logo design, signage and promotional items, serving multiple rural South Dakota communities.

• South Dakota Small Business Champion: Brienne Maner of Startup Sioux Falls

Brienne Maner is the president of Startup Sioux Falls, which is an ecosystem organization that empowers founders by offering resources to network, launch and grow their ventures. It ignites innovation by being a thought leader in the state to bring new ideas to life and offer better support for founders.