DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — In honor of National Small Business Week, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Association came to Dayton to celebrate a local business and a recent graduate of its 8(a) Business Development program.
Protective Coatings, Inc., known as PCI, recently won the SBA 2023 8(a) Graduate of the Year award, making them the award winner not only for Columbus and Ohio, but for the entire Greater Michigan region. Lakes, including Michigan, Indiana. , Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
He 8(a) Business Development Program was designed to help experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged gain the knowledge they need to acquire federal contracts. 23% of federal contracts must involve small businesses, and this program helps companies like PCI obtain government contracting jobs.
“We appreciate that the SBA has fought for us to get a seat at the table on all of these projects; it has really helped us,” said Kevin Conley, executive director.
Everett Woodel of the American Small Business Association points out that small businesses, not American corporations, create 8 out of 10 jobs.
“This is the week we’re going to come out and recognize our small businesses,” Woodel said.
PCI was founded in 1993 by Kevin Conley and his father. The company offers industrial paints and coatings and has expanded into carpentry, project management and construction services.
When it comes to their success, director of operations Kaylee Lebo says their 25 employees make the difference.
“We couldn’t do our job without them,” Lebo said.
For more information about PCI, visit their website.