News Summary
Rita Wilson, a Beaufort resident and co-owner of AlphaGraphics Beaufort, has been named South Carolina’s Female Small Business Person of the Year. The award, presented during National Small Business Week, recognizes Wilson’s significant contributions to the local economy. In addition to this honor, the community has recently celebrated innovative initiatives, such as a successful calendar project aimed at supporting local charities through therapy dogs in fire stations. These events underscore the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial excellence present in Beaufort.
Beaufort Celebrates Rita Wilson as 2025 South Carolina Female Small Business Person of the Year
Beaufort resident Rita Wilson has been honored with the title of “2025 South Carolina Female Small Business Person of the Year” by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). This accolade was awarded during National Small Business Week, which ran from May 4 to May 10, 2025. The presentation took place at an award luncheon organized by the S.C. District Office of the SBA in Columbia on May 9, where esteemed winners from across the state gathered for recognition.
Wilson was nominated for this prestigious award by Martin Goodman, affiliated with the SC Small Business Development Center, praising her entrepreneurial spirit and impactful contributions to the local economy. Together with her husband, Barry Wilson, she co-owns and operates AlphaGraphics Beaufort, a business that has played a significant role in the community.
Recognition of Small Business Contributions
The SBA awards celebrate the vital contributions of small businesses and lenders in fostering job creation and promoting economic prosperity within South Carolina. Melissa Lindler, the SBA District Director, highlighted the importance of these awards in acknowledging the exceptional efforts made by entrepreneurs like Wilson.
Community Engagement through Therapy Dogs
This recognition coincides with another local initiative that has garnered attention—an innovative calendar project launched by Rebecca W. Bass, a local real estate agent, therapy dog trainer, and photographer. This initiative was inspired by the introduction of therapy dogs at local fire stations, aimed at reducing stress among firefighters.
The interactions between the firefighters and therapy dogs were so beneficial that they led to the creation of a calendar featuring photographs of these heartwarming pairings. The calendar proved to be a success, selling over 500 copies and raising approximately $8,000 for local charities. Three beneficiaries, including Beaufort County Animal Services, the Child Abuse Prevention Association, and the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund, received checks of $2,700 each.
Support from Local Businesses
Local businesses such as Shellring Ale Works, Ladys Island Feed and Seed, and Carolina Floral Design played a crucial role in supporting donations and organizing fundraising events related to the calendar project. The Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department has reported positive responses to the therapy dog visits, which have become a cherished monthly event.
Firefighters enjoy collecting baseball-style cards that feature the therapy dogs, providing insights about each canine companion. The calendars are available for purchase at $25 each, with orders processed via email.
Academic Recognition: Junior Scholars Program
The Junior Scholars banquet featured a keynote address by Mary Ruff, who highlighted the importance of seeking challenging environments for personal development and growth. This program aims to promote academic excellence and recognition, thereby encouraging students to strive for higher educational achievements.
Both the recognition of Rita Wilson and the initiatives within the community serve as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative efforts of Beaufort’s residents. As small businesses and educational programs thrive, they continue to enhance the local community and inspire future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: SBA Honors Beaufort’s Wilson
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Live 5 News: 2024 General Election Voter Guide
- Your Island News: 2025 SC Junior Scholars Honored
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google Search: Beaufort small business
- Google News: Beaufort community news
