The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Hardrives Asphalt, Inc. (Hardrives) of Billings, Mont., is one of three small businesses tied for the National Minority Small Business Firm of the Year Award. The award recognizes superior achievement by small, minority-owned firms that participate in the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program, which provides assistance, networking and federal contracting opportunities to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
Founded in 1989 with three employees, Hardrives now employs 35 people and had $2.9 million in sales in 2000. According to the SBA, the firm has built a reputation for innovation, quality and reasonable prices.
Other winners are: Analytical Services, Inc., of Huntsville, Ala. and Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc., of Walnut Creek, Calif.
