Michelle and Danny Quiroz owners of Reserva Coffee Roasters take Top Honors
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Today, Angela Burton, district director for the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District announced the 2020 District Small Business Week awardees for six small business categories.
“It is with great honor we congratulate Michelle and Danny Quiroz owners of Reserva Coffee Roasters as the Lower Rio Grande Valley District’s Small Business Persons of the Year,” Burton stated.
Michelle and Danny both professionals enjoyed successful careers working for large companies. However, Michelle’s passion for coffee drove their hand-crafted coffee business to a new level. Within three years, their commitment to quality and vision grew their business from one employee to a team of 10.
“We are honored to be recognized among millions of small businesses throughout the country,” Michelle Quiroz said. “We hope to set a strong example in the power of a dream and the impact small businesses have in elevating their communities.” Quiroz thanks the dedicated teams at the SBA, City of McAllen, Liftfund, and their community members for their unwavering support.
The SBA Small Business Person (s) of the Year award – part of National Small Business Week May 3 – May 9, 2020 – 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 also 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.
“It’s truly an excellent time to recognize the importance of small business ownership and to celebrate model entrepreneurs who use innovation to solve problems, create jobs and whose enterprises contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Lower Rio Grande Valley District,” Angela R. Burton, district director, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office stated. “National Small Business Week is one of my favorite weeks!”
The Quiroz’, nominated by Marlene Rodriguez, Business Development Officer has been a LiftFund client since 2017 and thanks to a partnership between LiftFund and the City of McAllen the Quiroz’ obtained an SBA Community Advantage guarantee loan at zero percent interest to accomplish their dream of opening a specialty coffee shop. The loan was used for leasehold improvements and equipment needed to launch Reserva Coffee Roasters. “Supporting small business is more than just capital, it’s creating jobs, building a community and supporting a local leader who is helping the Valley thrive,” Rodriguez stated.
To honor all Lower Rio Grande Valley District all awardees, two celebrations are scheduled one in the Rio Grande Valley and the other in the Coastal Bend area.
On Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 the Rio Grande Valley Partnership will host a lunch celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in McAllen. For more information contact Monica Sanchez at (956) 968-3141 or via email to monica@rgvpartnership.com.
On Wednesday, May 6th, Del Mar College Small Business Development Center will host an evening event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Center for Economic Development, CED 106 in Corpus Christi. For more information contact Monica Benavides Stuber at (361) 698-2422 or via email to mbenavides11@delmar.edu.
Additional Small Business Week awardees include:
2020 District Director Awards
Women Owned Small Business of the Year
Gorditas Doña Tota, McAllen, Texas, nominated by Ruben Davila, Vantage Bank
Rural Owned Small Business of the Year
Tucker’s Catering & Restaurant, LLC dba Tucker’s Barbecue, Raymondville, Texas, nominated by Maria Juarez, UTRGV Small Business Development Center
Home Based Business of the Year
Shield Services Group Corp, LLC, Corpus Christi, Texas, nominated by Darcy Shaw, Del Mar College Small Business Development Center
Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
5×5 Brewing Company, Mission, Texas, nominated by Juan Santos, UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center
Minority Owned Small Business of the Year
Snowbite, Pharr, Texas, nominated by Karina Lopez, Pharr Economic Development Corporation
Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation. For more information about National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
