The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New Jersey District Office has officially launched National Small Business Week (NSBW) 2026, naming Sean Xu, CEO of Tri-State Civil Construction, as the 2026 New Jersey Small Business of the Year.
The announcement comes as the SBA prepares for a week-long celebration from May 3–9, honoring the “job creators, builders, and innovators” driving the American economy. Xu will be formally recognized on the national stage in Washington, D.C., on May 3rd, representing the grit and technical expertise of the Garden State’s small business sector.
Based in Mahwah, Tri-State Civil Construction has emerged as a powerhouse in the specialized field of complex deep foundation solutions. Under Xu’s leadership, the firm has become a go-to contractor for:
- Construction dewatering: Managing water tables for massive infrastructure projects.
- Groundwater treatment: Implementing environmental safeguards on-site.
- Geotechnical services: Providing the structural bedrock for regional development.
“Sean Xu exemplifies what it means to be a successful small business in the Garden State,” John Blackstock, New Jersey SBA district director said. “By working with a trusted SBA lender, he has been able to expand a company backed by a management team with over 50 years of combined experience.”
This year’s NSBW carries extra weight as it coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler highlighted the administration’s “America First” agenda as a primary driver for the current climate of small business optimism, which currently sits above its 52-year average.
“Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America’s small businesses—and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street,” Loeffler said.
Regional Administrator Matt Coleman echoed these sentiments, noting that the Atlantic Region—encompassing New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—has seen record capital delivery and innovation under current pro-growth incentives like the Working Family Tax Cuts.
Beyond the awards, the SBA New Jersey District Office will be active throughout the state during the first week of May. The office plans to host a series of local events designed to connect local entrepreneurs with:
- SBA-backed capital: Guidance on 7(a) and 504 loans.
- Government contracting: Training on how to bid for federal and state projects.
- Technical assistance: Specialized workshops for startups and scaling firms.
For New Jersey business owners looking to follow in Xu’s footsteps, the SBA encourages residents to search #SmallBusinessWeek or visit www.sba.gov/events to find local programming.
