SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District recently announced the 2023 District Small Business Week awardees for five small business categories. Taking top spot as Small Business Person of the Year is Arely Lugo of Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Learning Center LLC.

Lugo, a single mother of four from Brownsville, worked her way up to become the director of a local childcare learning center. Despite her success in childcare, Lugo opened a jewelry store called MaddAbbie’s, sparking an entrepreneurial fire. In 2015, using her childcare and business experience, she launched Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Learning Center. Lugo then launched a second location in 2021.

The SBA Small Business Person of the Year award – part of National Small Business Week from April 30 to May 6 – recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. Winners must also show growth in net worth and business expansion, increase in jobs and sales, innovativeness of products or services, response to adversity, and contributions to community-oriented projects.

“National Small Business Week presents an opportunity to appreciate the significance of small businesses and acknowledge entrepreneurs who play a vital role in finding solutions, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing the development and prosperity of the region,” said Angela R. Burton, district director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office.

Joining Lugo’s national award recognition were four District Director Awards. They include:

Minority Owned Small Business of the Year
Southside Paint and Body, Jesus Trevino Villarreal, Corpus Christi

Rural Owned Small Business of the Year
E&O Home Health Care Inc. dba Uresti Senior Assistance, Gilberto Uresti, Kingsville

Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Valley K-9 Detection Services, LLC, Daniel R. Villarreal, San Juan

Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
CCTA Investments LLC dba CCC Services, Claudia Selene Muñoz, Edinburg

Since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for a National Small Business Week celebration. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their successes and contributions to our nation.