RIO LINDA — In the heart of the Sacramento Valley, the true engine of the economy is not found in high-rise corporate suites, but in the storefronts of North Highlands, the industrial bays of McClellan, and the family-owned shops of Rio Linda and Elverta. These small businesses, often described as the backbone of the community, are about to take center stage.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the historic Memorial Auditorium will host the Capital Region Small Business Awards. This premier luncheon and business expo serves as the signature event of Capital Region Small Business Week, coinciding with National Small Business Week. For the residents of Rio Linda and Elverta, the event carries particular weight this year, as several neighbors and nearby establishments have been named among the region’s most distinguished honorees.
Celebrating the “Backbone” of the Economy
The event represents a rare collaboration between local, state, and federal entities, including the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the California State Treasurer’s Office.
“Small businesses shape the character and strength of our communities,” said Crystal Bethke, Director of the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development. “This event is all about celebrating those leading the way in growth and impact.”
The sentiment was echoed by California Treasurer Fiona Ma, who noted that these entrepreneurs are essential for driving innovation and creating jobs. “We are honored to celebrate these outstanding entrepreneurs and remain dedicated to helping them access the capital and support they need,” Ma stated.
Local Excellence: The 2026 Award Honorees
While the awards draw from across the capital region, the 2026 list of honorees features several prominent names from the immediate Rio Linda and North Highlands area. These businesses were selected for their resilience, community impact, and leadership in their respective fields.
The Changemaker Award
The Sacramento County Office of Economic Development has named Black Widow Tattoo Studio in North Highlands as the 2026 Changemaker of the Year. This award recognizes businesses in the unincorporated areas of the county that provide meaningful contributions to their community through innovation and leadership.
SBA Sacramento District Office Awardees
Two major regional honors were awarded to businesses operating in the McClellan and North Highlands corridor, which serve as vital employment hubs for Rio Linda residents:
- Contractor of the Year: Creekside Commercial Builders, Inc. (McClellan)
- Small Businessperson of the Year: Maqsood Ali, TSI Engineering, Inc. (North Highlands)
Heather Luzzi, the SBA’s Sacramento District Director, praised these recipients for exemplifying the spirit of the 36.2 million small businesses that power the American economy. “Their achievements not only strengthen our local communities across northeastern California but also highlight the vital role small businesses play in creating jobs,” Luzzi said.
More Than Just an Awards Ceremony
The event at Memorial Auditorium is designed to be more than a trophy presentation; it is a strategic hub for regional growth. The scheduled business expo will highlight available resources and services specifically designed to support small business expansion. Attendees—ranging from veteran entrepreneurs to those just launching their first ventures—will have the opportunity to exchange insights and build the networks necessary for sustained success.
Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith highlighted the importance of this support network, stating that the vibrancy of local neighborhoods is directly tied to the success of these innovators.
A Call to Support Local Innovation
As National Small Business Week approaches (May 3–9), the Capital Region Small Business Awards stands as a reminder that the prosperity of Rio Linda and Elverta is inextricably linked to the health of its small business sector. The resilience of these entrepreneurs builds a stronger middle class and ensures that the local economy remains robust against broader market shifts.
Residents and business owners interested in attending the luncheon and expo can register via Eventbrite. As the region prepares to gather on May 6, the community is encouraged to reflect on the vital role these local businesses play—not just as providers of goods and services, but as the foundational pillars of our collective future.
Event Details:
- What: Capital Region Small Business Awards
- When: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- Where: Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento
- Registration: Available via Eventbrite
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