The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is celebrating the Small Business Person of the Year and six additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week from May 4-10.

Taking top honors as as the district’s Small Business Person of the Year is Abygail T. Elizondo, owner of Elizondo Insurance Services in Harlingen.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Small Business Person of the Year. This award is a testament to the dedication and resilience of small businesses in the RGV, especially those committed to serving and uplifting our communities,” Elizondo said.  “I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”

Also being recognized for consideration for the national Small Business Exporter of the Year is Hansheng Lei, America Instrument Inc. dba America Ship in Brownsville.

2025 District Director Awards Include:

• Home-Based Business of the Year – Francisco Javier Garcia, Bruskees Spices LLC in Harlingen
• Rural Owned Small Business of the Year – Daniel Perez Rodriguez, Malfunction Junction Automotive LLC in Sandia
• Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year – Martin Rubio Flores, Marty McPies LLC in Corpus Christi
• Women Owned Small Business of the Year – Karina M. Saldivar, Sweet & Fit LLC dba Amor Y Pan in Brownsville
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Daisy Nayeli Alcazar, La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar LLC in Brownsville

Details on National Small Business Week, including the virtual summit, registration, and speakers, are available at sba.gov/NSBW. Local events will be featured on sba.gov/events and can be identified by searching with the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek.