Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Today, Angela Burton, district director for the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District, announced the 2024 District Small Business Week awardees for eight small business categories.
“It is with great honor we congratulate Nicolas V. Soto, Jr., NVS Corporate Services, Inc., as the Lower Rio Grande Valley District’s Small Business Person of the Year,” Burton stated.
Soto launched NVS Corporate Services, Inc. in 2001 with a commitment to entrepreneurial success. NVS specializes in facility maintenance services, primarily focusing on janitorial services, maintaining operational mechanical systems, and ensuring clean, sanitized buildings and well-manicured grounds. NVS has reached nearly every state in over two decades of service, including Hawaii and American Samoa. With five offices in Texas and Indiana, their growth and expansion have led to a consistent increase in employees, driven by the company’s foray into new markets, contract acquisitions, and service diversification. As a successful graduate of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, NVS was honored as the 8(a) graduate of the year in 2019 by the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office.
NVS Corporate Services Inc. is an 8(a) Business Development program graduate, HUBZone certified through SBA certification designations, a graduate of SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program, and a recipient of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and an SBA 504 Loan. Daniela Sosa, Brownsville Development Fund of Texas, submitted the winning nomination.
“Our 2024 National Small Business Week award winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment, and the SBA is proud to showcase their incredible achievements and impact on their communities and our economy,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman.
The SBA Small Business Awards – part of National Small Business Week April 28-May 4, 2024 – recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. Winners must show growth in net worth and business expansion, increase in jobs and sales, innovativeness of products or services, response to adversity, and contributions to community-oriented projects.
“Each year, National Small Business Week provides an opportunity to highlight the dedication and creativity of small business owners and entrepreneurs, said Regional Administrator Mindy Brissey. “Small businesses play a vital role in creating thriving communities and boosting economic growth, and I am honored to recognize their entrepreneurial success.”
“National Small Business Week holds a special place in my heart,” expressed Angela R. Burton, District Director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. “I’m always thrilled to witness the excitement and pride in nominees when they receive the award news. It’s a fantastic opportunity to honor model entrepreneurs whose ventures enrich the growth and prosperity of our district.” Burton also acknowledges the nominators for their dedication to completing the nomination process
In celebration of the winners, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership will host a recognition ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Brownsville Event Center, 1 Events Center Blvd., Brownsville, Texas.
For more information about the ceremony and registration, contact Fernanda Sanchez at (956) 968-3141 or fernanda@rgvpartnership.com.
-2024 National Award Categories
Small Business Person of the Year
Nicolas V. Soto, Jr., NVS Corporate Services, Inc., Brownsville, Texas, nominated by Brownsville Development Fund of Texas, Executive Director Daniela Sosa
-2024 District Director Awards – In alphabetical order
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Bill Bunton Auto Supply & Machine, Brian Robert Bunton, Mercedes, Texas, nominated by Mercedes Economic Development Corporation, Executive Director Melissa Ramirez
Home-Based Business of the Year
Heavenly Clean, LLC, Rosa E. Estrada, McAllen, Texas, nominated by LiftFund, Market Director Marlene Rodriguez
Minority Owned Small Business of the Year
Trimad Consultants, LLC, Ricardo Salazar, Alamo, Texas, nominated by Trimad Consultants, Office Manager Trisha Salazar
Rural Owned Small Business of the Year
In Style Beauty Salon, Petra Garza, Rio Grande City, Texas, nominated by Starr County Industrial Foundation, Vice President Nilda Elizondo
Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
J&N Solutions, LLC dba Armored Painting, Nelson Ramiro Martinez and Jose Robledo, Alamo, Texas, nominated by UTRGV Veteran Business Outreach Center, Business Advisor Marcus Villagran
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Kids at Play Learning Center, LLC, Linda Iris Buitron, Pharr, Texas, nominated by LiftFund, Market Director Marlene Rodrigue
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Meet Texas, Julian Jimenez, McAllen, Texas, nominated by UTRGV Innovation and Commercialization Center, Program Coordinator Persephonie Martinez.
Since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for a National Small Business Week celebration. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners’ successes and contributions to our nation. For more information about National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw
