News Summary
Kaitlyn Roberts, CEO of Easy Entertaining Inc., has been honored as Rhode Island’s Small Business Person of the Year. The announcement was made during National Small Business Week, celebrating entrepreneurs’ contributions to the economy. Roberts was selected from numerous nominees for her significant achievements in the catering industry and commitment to promoting local culinary talent. This recognition highlights the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation in Rhode Island and beyond.
Providence, Rhode Island – Kaitlyn Roberts, the CEO of Easy Entertaining Inc., has been named Rhode Island’s 2025 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This prestigious recognition was announced during National Small Business Week, which occurs from May 4 to May 10, 2025.
Roberts stood out among ten businesses and advocates nominated by the SBA, earning her the title of the top honoree for the Rhode Island District. The announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year will be made during a ceremonial event in Washington, D.C., where Kelly Loeffler, the SBA Administrator, will commence National Small Business Week. Loeffler noted that for over 60 years, National Small Business Week has honored entrepreneurs and acknowledged their vital role in the U.S. economy.
The week will feature a range of activities that include community events, educational sessions, and a two-day virtual summit focused on crucial business topics such as manufacturing and digital marketing. Following the Washington D.C. ceremony, Loeffler will visit cities including Boise, Idaho; Phoenix, Arizona; Nashville, Tennessee; and Hartford, Connecticut, to further recognize small businesses across the country.
In addition to Roberts, more than 50 other small business owners and advocates from various states and territories will be recognized during this significant week. Each honoree is a contender for the national title of Small Business Person of the Year and the runner-up positions.
Kaitlyn Roberts’ Achievements
Roberts’ company, Easy Entertaining Inc., has made a name for itself in the catering industry, providing a range of services that highlight local food and culinary talent. Under her leadership, the company has flourished, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the small business sector.
Roberts has also been instrumental in introducing initiatives that celebrate local culinary artistry. She envisioned a culinary festival in Providence, which is set to take place in late March 2025. This festival aims to showcase not only local culinary talent but also domestic wines, offering food tastings, cooking demonstrations, ticketed dinners, and panels featuring industry professionals.
Significance of Small Business Recognition
The recognition of small businesses like Easy Entertaining Inc. plays a crucial role in the economy of Rhode Island and the country at large. Small businesses are often referred to as the backbone of the American economy, providing jobs, promoting local economic growth, and fostering innovation. The SBA’s annual recognition of outstanding small business owners highlights the essential contributions that entrepreneurs make to their communities.
Looking Ahead
This year’s National Small Business Week promises to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners across the United States. With events designed to educate and empower those in the small business community, the week serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses. As Kaitlyn Roberts prepares to take the national stage, her success story symbolizes the potential within the small business sector and the positive impact it can have on local economies.
For small business owners and advocates, the recognition of their hard work and dedication is not only rewarding but also essential in propelling the industry forward. With role models like Kaitlyn Roberts, the future of the small business landscape appears promising.
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Additional Resources
- PBN: Roberts Named SBA’s R.I. Small Business Person of the Year
- Google Search: Small Business Person of the Year
- RI Monthly: Rhode Island’s Top Women in Food
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- GlobeNewswire: SBA’s 2025 National Small Business Week Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
