National Small Business Week continues across the country as local leaders recognize entrepreneurs for their economic contributions. During the latest SBA Update episode, Tyler Teresa, Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is joined by Josh Flory, owner of Flory Custom Woodworking and Tennessee’s Rural Small Business of the Year, to discuss rural entrepreneurship, growth, and how SBA programs support businesses in scaling.
Teresa highlighted that President Kennedy established National Small Business Week in 1963 to honor the contributions of small businesses to the U.S. economy. He emphasized that small businesses remain one of the nation’s primary job creators, accounting for two out of every three new jobs created nationwide. He also pointed out recent federal efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and lower taxes for entrepreneurs, including pass-through deductions and overtime tax relief.
Flory viewed this recognition as a significant milestone in the evolution of his business, which began as a basement hobby. As demand grew, he expanded into a 4,000-square-foot shop built on his property around 2020. Today, his company employs 10 people and specializes in custom cabinetry, furniture, and specialty woodworking.
“It’s wonderful to be recognized for the hard work that our team puts in.” – Josh Flory
Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Flory’s business growth, as homeowners invested more in renovations and upgrades. This surge in demand positioned his business for rapid expansion during a time when many industries struggled.
Flory credited SBA resources and local Small Business Development Center programs for helping him navigate critical growth stages. His first interaction with the SBA occurred during the pandemic when he explored PPP loan options. This initial engagement grew into broader business development support, including workshops on bookkeeping, taxes, marketing, and planning, as well as hands-on guidance from advisors.
Teresa pointed to Flory Custom Woodworking as a model for how SBA programs can help entrepreneurs transform small ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen local economies and create jobs.
“Josh is a perfect example of how the SBA can take your idea that you might have and turn it into a successful small business that employs 10 people.” – Tyler Teresa
Rural entrepreneurship remains a growing priority for the SBA across the Southeast. Teresa stated that the agency actively targets counties that have not recently received SBA-backed loans and expands outreach to underserved areas, with a special focus on food security and on infrastructure industries such as cold storage and food processing.
Moreover, Flory plans to relocate operations to a larger commercial facility and explore SBA lending to fund this next phase of growth. He also invests in technology to enhance efficiency and maintain quality.
Despite all the growth, Flory’s company remains committed to craftsmanship. He emphasized that focusing on highly customized products, items that customers cannot find at big retailers, continues to differentiate his business.
For entrepreneurs just getting started, Flory offers straightforward advice: do not hesitate to access SBA resources. Many people come seeking financing, but he notes that education, mentorship, and planning support can be equally valuable. Teresa agrees, encouraging business owners to build strong teams early on by including accountants, attorneys, lenders, and SBA advisors, and to view the SBA as a long-term growth partner rather than just a one-time lender.
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