Mettle Ops CEO & Founder, Katie Bigelow, Selected as Small Business Person of the Year for Michigan by U.S. Small Business Administration

Madison Heights, MI, May 7th, 2026:  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. Katie Bigelow, owner of Mettle Ops was selected as Michigan’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2026.

Headquartered in Michigan, Mettle Ops is a defense engineering firm dedicated to providing innovative solutions in support of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Prior to founding Mettle Ops in 2013, Bigelow was a decorated Army Aviator who served over a decade in the military. Her firsthand service drives her continuous dedication to developing life-saving solutions for the military.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the National Small Business Person of the Year for Michigan, the state that Mettle Ops was founded in,” said Katie Bigelow, Founder and CEO of Mettle Ops. “Our core mission is, and always has been, to serve the warfighter. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, our partners, and a Michigan business community that believes small businesses can make a lasting impact both locally and in service to our nation.”

Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. All 53 winners were invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., May 3-4, to receive their individual award.

Bigelow was also recognized during a local ceremony held at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, MI on Tuesday, May 5th. Guest speakers included U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Congresswoman Lisa McClain, and Congressman John James.