WICHITA, Kan. – Ahead of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced this year’s Small Business Persons of the Year winners from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. CEO Phillip Friedman, President Matt Augustine, Engineering Director Dale Sparks, and VP of Operations David Hunter of Harlow Aerostructures LLC were selected as the Kansas Small Business Persons of the Year.

“We are honored to be named the 2026 Kansas Small Business Person of the Year,” said Matt Augustine, President of Harlow Aerostructures LLC. “As an aerospace manufacturer and small business in Wichita, Kansas—the Air Capital of the World—this recognition reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our entire team. We are proud to help carry forward Wichita’s legacy of aviation excellence, and we remain focused on continued growth, workforce development, and delivering excellence to our customers.  We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Textron Aviation Defense for the nomination and the continued support, and to the U.S. Small Business Administration for this recognition.”

"As we celebrate National Small Business Week, I want to congratulate our 2026 Small Business Persons of the Year winners for their outstanding achievements," said Brad Zaun, SBA Great Plains regional administrator. "Your hard work and dedication are the engine that drives our local economies. Every successful small business in the Great Plains is a victory for our country, and it’s our job at the SBA to champion and support that spirit of free enterprise."SBA Wichita District Director, Wayne Bell, stated: “We are excited to recognize the leadership team for Harlow Aerostructures, LLC as the 2026 Kansas Small Business Persons of the Year!  Nominated by Textron Aviation Defense, Harlow Aerostructures has emerged as a premier aerospace supplier in the region and internationally, recognized for excellent quality, innovation, exceptional performance, and steady growth.”