Celebrating Excellence: Iam C. Tucker Named National Small Business Person of the Year

In a resplendent ceremony held in Washington, D.C., Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proudly announced the recipient of the esteemed title of National Small Business Person of the Year for 2024: Iam C. Tucker, the luminary leader behind Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI) based in Louisiana. This recognition, a cornerstone of the SBA’s annual National Small Business Week celebrations for over six decades, honors entrepreneurs who exhibit exceptional leadership and foster sustainable, thriving businesses within their communities.

"I am honored that the SBA has been a part of her successful and ongoing journey," stated Administrator Guzman, emphasizing Tucker's embodiment of grit, ingenuity, and determination that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation.

ILSI, a civil engineering firm specializing in sewer, water, street, and drainage design projects, has flourished under Tucker's stewardship. Over the span of 15 years, Tucker has led the company from a modest team of 9 to a robust workforce of 50, boasting revenues exceeding $2.7 million. ILSI has garnered over 100 contract awards across various governmental levels, a testament to Tucker's vision and strategic acumen.

A graduate of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and a savvy navigator of SBA loan programs, Tucker has effectively leveraged financial assistance to propel ILSI's expansion and enhance its national footprint. Her commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive the firm's growth trajectory, positioning ILSI as a formidable player in the engineering landscape.

Accompanying Tucker in the limelight of recognition is Heather McDowell, the National Runner-Up for the Small Business Person of the Year. McDowell, the founder of Seattle Green Earth Cleaning, exemplifies the ethos of socially responsible entrepreneurship. Her eco-friendly enterprise, established in 2013, is dedicated to improving the lives of clients, employees, and the wider community.

From its humble origins in a home office and storage unit, Seattle Green Earth Cleaning has burgeoned into a beacon of sustainability, supporting a team of 46 individuals. McDowell's participation in the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined program has fortified her strategic vision, centered on employee development and a collaborative leadership model.

Moreover, Seattle Green Earth Cleaning actively contributes to local philanthropic endeavors, underscoring McDowell's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Through partnerships with food banks, charitable donations, and volunteer initiatives, the company exemplifies the transformative impact of businesses rooted in community engagement.

The accolades bestowed upon Tucker and McDowell are emblematic of the SBA's unwavering dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering economic resilience. As the nation celebrates National Small Business Week, the surge of entrepreneurial activity underscores the dynamism and innovation inherent in America's small business landscape.

In the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, the SBA continues to champion the endeavors of small businesses, recognizing their indispensable role in driving economic prosperity and societal progress. For more information on National Small Business Week events and initiatives, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.

Cosponsorship Authorization: #24-1-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity does not constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any Cosponsor or other entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

For additional National Small Business Week information, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.

About National Small Business Week:

National Small Business Week celebrates the unparalleled growth of entrepreneurship in the United States, underscored by 16 million new business applications since the Biden-Harris Administration assumed office. This surge highlights the dynamism and innovation that America’s entrepreneurs bring to our local communities. The SBA remains steadfast in championing the endeavors of small businesses and their indispensable contribution to driving economic prosperity nationwide.