Belmont, NY – For over 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW) to honor the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses across the nation. This year’s celebration held May 4–10, 2025, spotlighting the dedication, innovation, and economic impact of small business owners nationwide.

Allegany County proudly led the way in SBA award nominations, with seven local businesses, the highest number among the 14 counties in the Buffalo region. Notably, five of these nominees hail from the Town and Village of Cuba, underscoring the community’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

On May 20, 2025, representatives from Allegany County and the Cuba Chamber of Commerce joined SBA officials in Cuba, to recognize the community’s exceptional efforts in Economic Gardening—a forward-thinking strategy focused on growing local businesses from within. The SBA Buffalo District formally honored the Town and Village of Cuba for their proactive support of small business development.

Following the award presentation, officials toured the community to visit several of the nominated businesses. Stops included White Imprints, The Radix, Six South Pizza, Tap-n-Pour, and The Little Alchemy Shop—each a shining example of local entrepreneurship.

Economic Gardening is a progressive economic development approach that empowers locally rooted businesses with the tools, market insights, and strategies needed to expand and thrive. Rather than relying solely on external business recruitment, this model nurtures internal growth by supporting entrepreneurs as the drivers of job creation and economic vitality.

Congratulations to all our local small business nominees, and to the Town and Village of Cuba for this well-deserved recognition. Your commitment to local economic growth is a model for communities across the region.