UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is celebrating three clients selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania. The honors, announced during National Small Business Week in May, not only recognize exceptional business leadership across the commonwealth but also underscore Penn State SBDC’s role as a trusted local resource helping entrepreneurs start, grow and prosper over time.
This year's honorees represent three distinct paths to success: veteran-owned entrepreneurship, blue-collar business excellence, and rural business leadership. Though each company has a unique story, all three demonstrate the perseverance, innovation, and community impact that help businesses thrive.
“During National Small Business Week, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our communities and the driving force behind our economy,” states SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jim Spencer. “Across our region, small business owners continue to innovate, create jobs, and inspire the next generation. The U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to support their journey with the resources, capital, and counseling they need to succeed and grow.”
Sweet Confections Cakes, Darmayne Robertson and Willard A. Robertson Jr.
Eastern Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Business Persons of the Year
Darmayne Robertson and Willard A. Robertson Jr., co-owners of Sweet Confections Cakes Inc. in Harrisburg, were honored as Eastern Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Business Persons of the Year. Darmayne and Will are both veterans of the U.S. Coast Guard who have built a respected, innovative, and growing company with an event space in addition to a storefront and custom cake bakery. Throughout their journey, they have worked with business consultants from both the Penn State and Kutztown Small Business Development Centers including nominator Martin Brill, the coordinator for the Agricultural Center of Excellence, to support strategic expansion and long-term success. Their quality products, financial discipline, resilience, and commitment to expansion made them strong candidates for this award.
While Sweet Confections reflects the success of veteran entrepreneurship, this year’s SBA honors also shine a light on the essential role blue-collar businesses play in keeping Pennsylvania’s communities and institutions running.
CCSI Inc., Pat Snyder
Eastern Pennsylvania Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year
CCSI Inc., located in Muncy, Pennsylvania, was named Eastern Pennsylvania Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year. CCSI Inc. has provided more than 25 years of reliable, safety-critical boiler and pressure-vessel services to essential community institutions while showing resilience through an ownership transition, investing in skilled trades, and sustaining strong, responsible growth. For owner Pat Snyder, the recognition is deeply meaningful for the entire team.
“Winning this award has been a great honor to the entire CCSI team. So many people went into this achievement, and it is great for all that hard work and dedication to be recognized,” said Snyder.
The SBA awards also recognize the innovation and leadership of rural businesses that serve their communities in lasting ways.
Goot Essa, John Esh Jr.
Western Pennsylvania Rural Small Business Person of the Year
In western Pennsylvania, John Esh Jr. of Goot Essa was recognized as the 2026 Western Pennsylvania Rural Small Business Person of the Year. With the support of his wife, Anna Mary, Esh continues to advance the company’s mission of crafting exceptional handmade cheeses and specialty foods using time-honored methods. Also nominated by Martin Brill, the award honors Esh’s determination and grit in preserving a family farm, building a profitable cheese business, and overcoming sustained industry challenges. It also highlights the importance of rural entrepreneurship and the role small businesses like Goot Essa play in preserving tradition, creating opportunity and contributing to local economies.
Diversity and impact
Together, these accomplishments showcase the diversity and impact of Pennsylvania's entrepreneurial community while underscoring the Penn State SBDC's commitment to supporting businesses well beyond the startup stage through no-cost, confidential consulting. The Penn State SBDC helps entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate challenges and opportunities at every stage. From business planning and financial analysis to strategic problem-solving and long-term growth planning, the SBDC works alongside clients to help them build stronger, more resilient businesses.
For Penn State SBDC business consultant Chelsea Blair, who nominated CCSI, the company’s recognition reflects the qualities that define so many successful small businesses across the commonwealth.
“Working with Pat is incredibly inspiring because his infectious passion has built a culture where his crew feels like family. He balances vital infrastructure work for our region’s hospitals and schools with a deep commitment to giving back to local communities. CCSI represents a strong example of how thoughtful ownership succession, mentorship, and SBDC technical assistance can preserve skilled-trades jobs, support critical infrastructure, and strengthen the local economy,” said Blair.
The recognition of Sweet Confections, CCSI Inc., and Goot Essa highlights the impact small businesses have on communities across Pennsylvania. As these companies continue to grow and lead their industries, the Penn State SBDC remains committed to helping entrepreneurs start strong, grow strategically and prosper over the long term.
About the Penn State SBDC
Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; and in part through support from Penn State. All services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government.
SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC serves Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.