The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has officially spotlighted three local enterprises as top contenders for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2027 National Small Business Week Awards. By nominating Bob Ross Auto Group, Robinson Janitorial and Floor Care Services, and Bahar and Reza, the Chamber is positioning these Dayton-area fixtures to compete for the prestigious title of National Small Businessperson of the Year.
This national recognition program celebrates the backbone of the American economy: the entrepreneurs, generational business leaders, and innovators who drive job creation and community investment. As the SBA prepares to honor these contributors, the nomination process underscores the vital role these small businesses play in regional economic stability.
Diverse Models of Community Impact
The three nominees represent a broad spectrum of industries, each distinguished by unique contributions to the Dayton region.
Bahar and Reza, a Centerville-based design house led by Bahar Omrani, has earned a reputation for high-end, bespoke formal wear, often catering to high-profile clientele. Their inclusion highlights the importance of artisanal manufacturing and creative entrepreneurship in the local economy.
In contrast, Robinson Janitorial and Floor Care Services of Trotwood emphasizes social impact alongside commercial growth. Founded less than a decade ago, the company has gained recognition for its “fresh start” initiative, which prioritizes hiring individuals with criminal records. By blending affordable professional services with second-chance employment, the firm has become a model for inclusive business practices.
Rounding out the list is the Bob Ross Auto Group, an institution with over 50 years of history. Under the leadership of President and CEO Janelle Ross, the dealership has become synonymous with philanthropy. Through the Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation, the company has maintained a long-standing commitment to breast cancer awareness and regional healthcare access, demonstrating how legacy businesses can anchor community health initiatives.
The Intersection of Innovation and Local Growth
While these nominees focus on local service, the broader economic landscape—including the shift toward digital transformation—is increasingly affecting how small businesses operate. As highlighted by the 2026 Ohio winner, Mark Lamoncha of Humtown Products, technological integration is essential for modern success. Lamoncha’s company utilized specialized internal software systems to revolutionize workforce productivity, proving that innovation is not exclusive to tech giants.
Today’s small business owners are increasingly leveraging tools like Google Workspace to manage remote teams, Google Business Profiles to drive local discovery, and AI-powered analytics to optimize supply chains. These digital resources, often integrated into the daily operations of evolving small businesses, allow local entities to compete with larger, national corporations by lowering barriers to marketing and operational efficiency.
Path to the National Stage
The journey to the 2027 award is rigorous. To qualify, nominees must be U.S. citizens with at least 51% ownership of a business that has been operational for a minimum of three years. Candidates must also be in good standing with all federal obligations and show a history of utilizing SBA assistance.
A panel of federal officials will review the nominees, with state-level winners eventually moving forward to compete for the national title. The process culminates in Washington, D.C., from May 2–8, 2027, during National Small Business Week.
As these Dayton-area businesses await the next phase of the selection process, their stories serve as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between local entrepreneurship and national economic health. Whether through high-fashion design, janitorial social enterprise, or legacy automotive sales, these candidates illustrate that local investment remains the most effective engine for regional prosperity.
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