NEWS RELEASE -- COLUMBUS DISTRICT 

Website: www.sweetsandmeatsbbq.com

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati-based Sweets and Meats LLC, has earned state recognition as the 2019 U.S. Small Business Administration’s Ohio Small Business Person of the Year and is being considered for SBA’s national award. The small business, led by Kristen Bailey, is family-owned and specializes in smoked meats, homemade sides and desserts. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will recognize Kristen for her company’s achievements at the National Small Business Week ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on May 5-6, where Kristen may be named National Small Business Person of the Year. 

In 2014, Kristen started her business with a smoker, $500 and a volunteer workforce. With the help of SBA small business resources like SCORE, the Ohio Small Business Development Center network and an SBA-guaranteed loan through Celtic Bank, Sweets and Meats has expanded to include two food trucks, catering services and a brick and mortar building. 

“Kristen’s story highlights the dedication and drive that entrepreneurs must possess in order to succeed,” Columbus District Director Everett Woodel Jr. said. “During National Small Business Week, we honor small business owners like Kristen, who have improved their communities, providing local jobs and unique products and services.” 

Kristen’s relationship-driven business strategy has helped her grow business sales from $42,000 to a projected $440,000 in four years. She has gone from a volunteer workforce to 11 staff members, with an emphasis on hard-to-hire local employees. 

“I think the business has brought the local community closer together,” Kristen said. “Giving back has always been a big part of why I became an entrepreneur and I’m truly honored to represent Ohio small businesses during National Small Business Week.” 

Since 1963, National Small Business Week, which is May 5 to 11 this year, has been set aside by the President to recognize the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Release Date: March 19, 2019 Contact: Brooke DeCubellis, 614-469-6860 x 238 

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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 Page | 2 

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.