(WNY News Now) – The Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College celebrates entrepreneurial excellence with its 2025 Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards, spotlighting innovation, determination, and community impact.
Every year since 1963, the President of the US has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees make up more than 99% of all private sector employers and create nearly two out of every three new jobs in America, fueling opportunity and driving local economies across the country.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of local business owners by announcing the 2025 Entrepreneurs of the Year. The SBDC will recognize our Entrepreneurs of the Year and this year’s U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New York State Small Business Person of the Year, Melissa Baideme, owner of CK Natural Fruit Juice LLC at a press conference on May 9, 2025 at 10am at 150 N. Portage Street, Westfield, NY.
The SBDC is thrilled to honor the following local business leaders for their resilience, innovation, and contributions to regional economic growth:
• Julie Ambrose, Owner, St. Elmo Spa
• Carrie and Levi Swanson, Owners, Sweeterson Farms
• Arnim Alexander, Owner, Royal Cuts Barbershop Salon
• Brooklyn John Tait, Owner, Rogue Force Training
The SBDC is honored to work with the small business community in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany County. The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Services are free and confidential. According to Beth Reed, SBDC Senior Advisor,“Small businesses fuel our economy and are the lifeblood of our communities – we are proud to support entrepreneurs in the Western Southern Tier.
Julie Ambrose, owner of the St. Elmo Spa, acquired the spa and was expanding her business to include hair styling, nails, massages, and skin treatment as Covid caused serious disruptions to revenue. Working with an SBDC Business Advisor, Julie was awarded a marketing assistance grant that allowed her to develop a new website along with broadcast advertisements. Julie has been nominated for her persistence and survival skills throughout the challenge of start-up, expansion, Covid, Covid-recovery, state regulations, and renovation assessment fees.
Carrie and Levin Swanson, owners of Sweeterson Farms, an online kitchen boutique dedicated to sharing the simple joys of life through a curated selection of quality kitchenware and unique home accents. Founded two years ago, the business offers a thoughtful array of practical tools and charming entertaining pieces, reflecting a passion for fostering connection and warmth in homes across the country. From practical tools designed for everyday use to charming pieces perfect for entertaining, Sweeterson Farms reflects a commitment to fostering connection and warmth within homes across the country. Their impressive growth and dedication to their vision, while staying true to their Clymer roots, highlight the dedication and innovation that define true entrepreneurship.
Arnim Alexander, an entrepreneur who began working with the SBDC in 2022 and has since launched a medical transportation business while exploring new ventures, opened Royal Cuts Barbershop Salon, where style meets tradition in the heart of Olean, New York. Expert barbers offer precision haircuts, beard trims, and classic shaves in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space features vintage chairs, sleek mirrors, local art, and complimentary refreshments for a relaxing experience. At Royal Cuts, they focus on building community by getting to know each client’s unique style.
Brooklyn John Tait, owner of Rogue Force Training, a fitness studio specializing in “Functional Fitness” designed to enhance proper ergonomics and form when exercising. He has added a number of training certifications and expanded his services significantly since initially meeting with the SBDC in 2022. He offers services such as: mobility and flexibility programs, functional fitness, suspension and nutrition training, and some self-defense classes.
US Small Business Administration NY Small Business Person of the Year and NYSBDC Rural Business of the Year
The SBA has named Melissa Baideme, owner of C.K. Natural Fruit Juice LLC the 2025 New York State Small Business Person of the Year for her impact and economic contributions. In 2021, Melissa seized an opportunity to purchase an existing juice concentrate manufacturing business in Chautauqua County and with the support of the Small Business Development Center at JCC, has grown her business exponentially including revenues, employees and product lines.
In addition to these awards, the NYSBDC State Director, Sonya Smith will announce the 2025 NY State Rural Business of the Year for this small business’s economic impact and ongoing growth in Chautauqua County. Small businesses are the engine of the American economy and the foundation for a free and prosperous nation.
About the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) is committed to fostering economic sustainability across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties. The SBDC provides high-quality, confidential business counseling and training services—free of charge—to help entrepreneurs launch and strengthen their businesses. For more information, please contact the SBDC at 716-338-1024 or visit http://www.sbdcjcc.org.
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