The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Tennessee District Office celebrates the Tennessee Small Business Person of the Year and additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025. Along with numerous award ceremonies, the week includes a national small business roadshow with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, a two-day virtual summit, community events and educational sessions about manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and renowned speakers.
“National Small Business Week honors the risk takers, innovators and job creators who fuel prosperity for families and communities across Tennessee and America,” said David Glasgow, SBA District Director for Tennessee. “Their vision, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration and the backbone of our economy.”
The Rural Small Business of the Year Winner:
Benjamin Neale, Light Hill Meats – Lynnville, TN
Raised on a small farm in Lynnville, Tennessee, Neale has grown the family enterprise into an integrated farm-to-table beef business with a deep commitment to the community. Today, the operation includes a cow-calf herd in Giles County, a USDA-inspected processing facility in Lynnville (cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats), and a retail butcher shop in Spring Hill, serving families across middle Tennessee. Neale is a leader in the industry who cares deeply about impacting the lives of his employees as well as giving back to the community through creative events for special needs children and support for autism and sober living organizations.
