Illinois-Based Software-Tech Enterprises Selected as an SBA Small Business Person of the Year

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - March 24, 2016) - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on March 16 announced the recipients of the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year awards, which recognizes small businesses based in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Software-Tech Enterprises, an Illinois-based management consulting and information technology firm that specializes in providing services to the federal government and private sector, was one of the 54 winners, and its President and CEO, Dwayne Jackson, says the awards make clear how important small businesses are to the country's economy.

"The U.S. job market is currently on a consecutive 71-months job growth, and small businesses have contributed greatly to lower the unemployment rate. Small business owners sacrifice and sometimes struggle each day to build their businesses," Jackson said via e-mail. "It is fitting that the SBA recognize and celebrate those small businesses that go beyond the call of duty… and help drive the U.S. economy."

While announcing the recipients of this year's Small Business Person of the Year awards, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, also commented on the role small businesses play in the nation's economy.

"There are more than 28 million small businesses serving as the economic engine of our country, employing half of the private sector and creating two out of three net new jobs. If our small business sector was a country, its output would rank number three above Germany and Japan," said Contreras-Sweet.

US Federal Contractor Registration, the world's largest third-party government registration firm, worked with Software-Tech Enterprises to complete its System for Award Management (SAM) Registration and make it eligible to bid on and receive government contracts. USFCR President Eric Knellinger says these awards make clear why small businesses should register to contract with the federal government.

"The federal government sets aside 23 percent of all contracts for small businesses. That's billions of dollars right there made available to small businesses that larger businesses can't even touch," said Knellinger. "Since registering as a federal contractor can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, it makes sense to partner with a registration firm to make sure your registration is accurate and complete."

Brian Lewis, an acquisition specialist as US Federal Contractor Registration, and the specialist who worked with Jackson and Software Tech Enterprises, said that the company deserves this recognition from the SBA.

"Dwayne's commitment to provide services and solutions that involve implementing information technology strategies and solutions that help our country monitor possible terrorist activities and also help the government support our aging population is second to none," said Lewis. "I am very proud of the small role I played to help him and Software-Tech Enterprises succeed."

Each year since 1963, the president has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week is set as the first week in May, and this year the dates are May 1-7 with national events planned in Washington, D.C., New York City, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix and San Jose and Oakland, California.

"What the SBA and US Federal Contractor Registration does is make sure that no matter the size of your business, you have a fair shot at winning a government contract," said Knellinger. "By working hand-in-hand with the SBA, we help owners of small businesses access -- and, historically, win -- more contracts."

Jackson, when asked about why he feels small businesses are so vital to the country's economy, points to several ways that small businesses can provide more personalized services than a larger business, such as by making sure a client knows the person with whom he or she is in contact, offering personalized services, responding flexibly to business challenges and problems, and reaching quick decisions on the projects it can and cannot take on.

"Small businesses are well positioned to introduce and develop new ideas, due to the reporting structure, which reduces having to report to or seek approval from multiple levels," said Jackson. "Small businesses, with their lower overheads, are able to make a profit with lower sales than a larger business, and can sell into much smaller markets."

US Federal Contractor Registration, the Washington, D.C.- and Florida-based third-party government registration firm, is available to help small business owners complete their SAM Registration and also optimize their chances at winning federal contracts. For more information, call them at 877-252-2700, ext. 1.