Three west Texas businesses honored during Small Business Week

May 5-Three local small businesses were recognized during West Texas' Small Business Week celebration.

The University of Texas Permian Basin Small Business Development Center hosted its Small Business of the Year luncheon, recognizing winners from Midland, Odessa and Andrews for the first time. The three winners represent a 71-county region.

Sarah Babbel, owner of I'd Rather Bake, was recognized as Woman-Owned Business of the Year.

Babbel said she was honored to be recognized, especially as a woman-owned business owner.

"I want to be a good example," she said. "I feel it's important to be a good example," not just for women but for anyone considering starting up a business.

"I'm an example of finding what you're good at and leaning into that talent," she continued. "You're never too old to pursue your dream."

She said her business began when her children started leaving home. She explained she had been a stay-at-home mom and now had time on her hands. With help from UTPB's SBDC and after winning the 2024-25 Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, she has built her business into a thriving enterprise.

Dr. Tre Pennie, deputy regional administrator for Region 6 with the Small Business Administration, praised Babbel for reinventing herself after her children left home. That reinvention created a new enterprise and jobs, he added.

He also praised Victoria Marquez of Andrews, owner of Little Musting Childcare. Marquez is the first ever winner of the Rural Entrepreneur of the Year award. Pennie said her success highlights the need for quality childcare to support local economies, especially in rural areas.

"In order for businesses to grow, parents have to work and know their children are well cared for," he said. "That is at the core of everyday lift. You can't move forward if you're worried about your children."

Misty Long of Odessa, owner of Odessa Birth and Wellness, was named Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, and Pennie praised her work in providing healthcare services.

Pennie called the West Texas region "the hardest working region in the U.S." and reflected on the economic booms and busts the area has endured.

"These communities sustain regardless of conditions. Here there are great innovators who know how to position themselves or reposition themselves. West Texans are resilient, they've learned to modify to sustain local economies," he said.

UTPB's Small Business Development Center, part of the Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center network, has helped create 239 jobs, generated $6,286,772 in capital formation and helped launch 45 businesses over the last 12 months.

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