Six clients of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) have been selected as Georgia District award winners by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in recognition of their achievements during National Small Business Week, which runs May 3-9.
For overs 60 years, National Small Business Week has been observed by the president of the United States to highlight the critical role small businesses play in driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth across the country. This year’s Georgia District honorees will be recognized at the SBA’s National Small Business Week kick-off and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and at a celebration hosted by the SBA’s Georgia office in Atlanta on May 8.
The Georgia District award winners have utilized UGA’s educational programs and consulting services for entrepreneurs and small business owners. All were nominated by UGA SBDC faculty members in acknowledgement of their business success, leadership and community impact.
The 2026 Georgia SBA Award winners are:
Gwen Collins, president, and Larry Collins, vice president, of Collins Manufacturing Company, a Macon-based precision metal manufacturer offering contract services across defense, aerospace, automotive, agriculture, and other industries.
“This recognition means the most to us because it comes through the SBA and SBDC, two organizations that have been instrumental in our success,” said Gwen Collins. “Their support has helped us expand our facilities, capabilities, and personnel, enabling us to build upon our past performance while supporting the warfighter, which we take tremendous pride in.”
Lisa Winton, CEO, and George Winton, president, of Winton Machine Company in Suwanee, manufacture high-performance, software-driven tube and coaxial cable fabrication systems and have developed over 100 machine models for advanced manufacturing and automation applications.
“From a basement startup to a global manufacturer, our journey has been shaped by almost three decades of grit, creativity, and resilience. Our technical team continues to innovate solutions for our customers, a key driver of our success,” said Lisa Winton. “We’re honored to be named Georgia SBA Exporter of the Year and proud to build American-made products in Georgia that are trusted worldwide.”
Ronald Leonard (Trey) Neely III, owner of Neely Electrical Services, a Savannah-based company specializing in industrial electrical construction and maintenance while also providing commercial services and custom electrical solutions.
“Having my company recognized as the blue-collar business of the year was a surprise, but it makes me proud to know that our team has worked hard to make the business such a big success. It’s been a good three years,” said Neely.
Brooks Woodward, president of The Fishing Factory, a manufacturer of premium fishing lures and tackle, including Dirty Jigs and Nichols Lures, based in Thomasville.
“This honor reflects the people who show up every day and take pride in the work they do. Being recognized in a state with such a strong manufacturing presence means a great deal to us,” said Woodward. “It reinforces that our focus on quality, consistency, and doing right by our customers and employees is working.”
Shalana McNamee, CEO and owner of American Eagle, LLC in Kingsland, a firm providing government and commercial infrastructure and environmental maintenance services.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which reflects the dedication of our entire team,” said McNamee. “As a small business, we are living the American Dream—building something from the ground up that not only supports our employees and their families but also serves our customers and community with pride.”
Griffin Thomas, president and owner of TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping, a Carrollton-based company specializing in residential and commercial landscaping and landscape design.
“I am honored to be recognized as Georgia’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This award reflects years of dedication and persistence in building and growing my business,” said Thomas. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see that effort acknowledged, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and the journey that brought me here.”
For More Information: University of Georgia SBDC | (706) 542-2762
