April 12, 2022

Blend Interactive founder and CEO Karla Santi has been named the SBA South Dakota small business person of the year.

Santi started her own small firm, Santi Interactive, in 1997, recognizing the commercial need and business potential in the web development industry. In 2005, she “blended” her company with a co-owner to form Blend Interactive Inc. The company continues to provide web design and development, working with hundreds of clients domestically and internationally in the commercial, private and government sectors.

“Each year, the SBA seeks nominations for stellar business leaders across the U.S.,” said SBA South Dakota district director Jaime Wood.

“The prestigious award honors and amplifies individuals for their ability to create impactful businesses that meet industry needs, create jobs and revenue; and we also look for small-business experts – like Karla Santi – who go the extra mile, volunteering time, skills and talent to positively uplift others. With nearly 90,000 small businesses in South Dakota, to be selected for this award demonstrates that the business ecosystem distinguishes Karla as an economic leader.”

Santi is a graduate of the 2021 SBA Emerging Leaders Program and represented the South Dakota cohort during the national virtual graduation ceremony last fall. Like many CEOs, she leveraged the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for Blend to assist with retaining employees.

According to Santi, Blend Interactive has rapidly grown over the years, providing jobs for 20 employees and reaching annual revenue of $3 million.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the SBA with this special award for the achievements of Blend Interactive,” Santi said in a statement. “Over the last 17 years, we’ve weathered an economic crisis, a pandemic and multiple curveballs that many tech companies did not survive. It’s a privilege to employ such a talented team that provides consistent growth year over year.”

Santi also has served on several advisory boards, mentored aspiring entrepreneurs and is an active speaker and coach for the Startup Sioux Falls CO.STARTERS entrepreneurial training, partially funded through the SBA Community Navigators Pilot Program.

As a leader in the technology industry, Santi emphasizes encouraging young women to explore STEM programs and careers, including owning their own businesses.

“Karla’s dedication to the startup ecosystem and perseverant leadership through turbulent times has propelled the Startup Sioux Falls organization toward ambitious and necessary growth,” said Startup executive director Brienne Maner, who nominated Santi for the award. “SBA’s recognition of Karla’s achievements is well deserved, and our board, staff and greater Sioux Falls ecosystem are thrilled to lift her up through this incredible honor.”

Santi will be honored in the following virtual events during National Small Business Week, May 1-7:

• SBA South Dakota Small Business Awards Ceremony, May 3 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to join here.
• National Small Business Week Virtual Summit’s Awards Ceremony, May 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to join.