Omaha, NE – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that, Firespring, has been named an SBA Legacy Business. Firespring is one of 68 Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA and that are being recognized nationwide as part of the agency's 70th anniversary celebrations Small Business Administration Recognizes Legacy Businesses during SBA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration | U.S. Small Business Administration.
Today’s announcement follows SBA Administrator Guzman’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange The Bell | NYSE, where she rang the closing bell to mark the SBA’s milestone anniversary and celebrate Legacy Businesses that have grown from small startups into some of the most recognizable brands in the United States with the support of the SBA.
NEBRASKA Winner: Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring, Lincoln
Over the past 30 years, Firespring, has utilized SBA funding for startup costs utilizing a SBA 7a loan, a SBA 504 loan for expansion to a new location, the Payroll Projection Program to keep employees working through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) while continuing to weather uncertain times to once again thrive and be resilient now and for generations to come.
Tim Mittan, District Director, Nebraska SBA, states, “Firespring opened their doors as a printshop, and soon evolved into a company that built websites for other printing companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Over the years, they have emerged as one of the largest marketing communications firms in the Midwest. Because of their commitment to communities, their team members log volunteer hours, serving local organizations, and made a substantial financial impact in local communities. Firespring used SBA services early on in their growth and have continued to reach out through the years. It is a pleasure to honor Jay Wilkinson and Firespring for all they do in Nebraska.”
The SBA’s Legacy Businesses recognize past or current small businesses that benefitted from SBA resources in their early stages. For 70 years, America’s entrepreneurs have relied on SBA support to help start and grow their small businesses. Today, the SBA is building upon its success, particularly with the historic progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration. The federal agency has provided billions of dollars in support to small businesses and has helped millions of small business owners build meaningful lifelong connections and help power their local economies. Now, amid soaring consumer confidence, historic low unemployment, and falling inflation, applications to start new businesses continue to boom under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since the start of 2021, more than 12.2 million people have applied to start a small business – including Firespring in Nebraska.
Jay Wilkinson, Founder and CEO, Firespring states, “On behalf of the employee-owners at Firespring, we are deeply honored to be a recipient of the prestigious SBA Legacy Business recognition. This recognition not only highlights our journey and growth as a company but also underscores the vital role that the U.S. Small Business Administration plays in nurturing and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy. We are proud to be one of the 68 Legacy Businesses that got their start with help from the SBA. As we celebrate the agency's 70th anniversary, we are reminded of the countless stories of success and resilience that have emerged from the small business landscape. Firespring's journey aligns with these narratives of growth, and we are excited to continue our mission of making a positive impact and empowering our local economy. This nomination fuels our passion to drive innovation, serve our community, and inspire future entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SBA and everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.