The Kansas Small Business Development Center statewide network recognized the 2019 Kansas SBDC Small Businesses of the Year at the annual awards ceremony in Topeka on Tuesday, March 12. Each year the Kansas SBDC recognizes existing, emerging, and exporting Businesses of the Year from the eight Kansas SBDC regional centers.

Dod Installations was recognized as the Wichita State University Kansas SBDC’s Existing Business of the Year. Owners Wilt and Tina Dod started the business in 1990 and have been growing steadily ever since. When they weren’t sure their current growth could keep up with the Wichita Housing Forecast in 2017, they met with the Kansas SBDC. Working together they were able to increase their revenues and improve management skills and future planning concepts. They are expecting one of their best years yet in 2019.

In total, 16 Kansas small businesses were recognized at a ceremony in the Kansas State Capitol rotunda in Topeka on Tuesday. The businesses were selected from more than 2,400 businesses that received Kansas SBDC one-on-one business advising services in 2018.

“The selected businesses were chosen through careful consideration by our Kansas SBDC regional directors and advisors,” said Greg Panichello, Kansas SBDC state director. “Collectively, the Kansas SBDC team believes these 16 small businesses are excellent examples of small businesses that have learned to adapt and succeed in challenging times."

WIBW-TV Anchor and Reporter Melissa Brunner emceed the event.

Existing Businesses of the Year

Dod Installations, Wichita – Wilt and Tina Dod; and 15 more.