Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award
In recognition of Neal Smith’s leadership in the creation of the national Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program—which serves entrepreneurs and businesses in all U.S. states and territories—America’s SBDC Iowa established this annual award on the occasion of its 25th anniversary (2006) to continually honor Chairman Smith’s contributions to the SBDC program and Iowa’s small business community.
The award is presented annually to a successful Iowa entrepreneur in order to encourage Iowa’s entrepreneurs, the driving force behind Iowa’s economic growth. Winning entrepreneurs must have been in business a minimum of three years and have to have been significantly assisted by an Iowa SBDC center.
2024 Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year
Dustin Rhoades
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Dustin Rhoades is the driving force behind
Ability Tech, is a business that invents and manufactures adaptive technology
for individuals with disabilities. The inspiration for this impactful venture
came from a deeply personal place – the needs of Dustin's son. Officially established in 2019, Ability Tech had been making a difference for families for around three years prior. The mission was clear: focus on improving the quality of life for customers.
Neal Smith Past Award Winners
John Lohman
Corridor Business Journal
Coralville
Marguerite White
Premier Cleaning Services
Bettendorf
Mary Connell
Air Control, Inc.
Clinton
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- 515-294-2030
- iowasbdc@iastate.edu
- 1805 Collaboration Place, Suite 1331 Ames, IA 50010
America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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