Tyler Small Business Development Center

David Rudd has successfully grown Rudd Fire Protection from a fledgling specialty plumbing company into a regional construction contractor. David began his journey in 1995 when his cousin invited him to join his uncle’s plumbing business to start Rudd Fire Protection. Through the years, David has slowly grown this company and now owns the company and the building it occupies. The company is located at 3734 Shiloh Rd, Tyler, TX 75707 and their website is www.ruddfire.com.

Taylor Hicks and his wife, Katy, started Little Braveheart Farms in March 2022 as a small raw milk operation and quickly turned into a thriving family-run farm business serving the East Texas Community. They have diversified into a farm store that operates like a farmer’s market and offer free-range eggs and goat milk. They plan to expand into agricultural tourism by adding Airbnb-style tiny homes to attract visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Little Braveheart Farms is located at 19655 FM Rd 16 in Lindale, TX.

On May 6th, the Tyler SBDC received an award for SBDC of the Year from our Regional SBDC. It was presented at the SBA Small Business Awards Luncheon in Hurst, TX.

On May 2nd, Electric Circus Arcade had a grand opening and a ribbon-cutting with Tyler SBDC. This arcade has retro pinball machines. They are located in the Green Acres Shopping Center and are open from 11:00 AM - Midnight. Check it out to have a lot of fun!

Don't miss the 2026 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and cohosted by America's SBDC. To access the live sessions on May 5–6, please register now to secure your spot. You'll receive login credentials via email — save these, as you'll need them to enter the virtual platform on event days. The link to the Summit is here:

Welcome | National Small Business Week Virtual Summit Welcome to the 2026 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and cohosted by America's SBDC. We're thrilled you're here! To access the live sessions on May 5–6, please register now to secure your spot. You'll receive login credentials via email ...

Happy ! Today, we celebrate the massive impact of our network. This year, SBDC clients secured $5.53 BILLION in capital to fuel their dreams. We are helping small businesses get the funding they need to grow.

Success Story - LeaAnn Fritz of Ramsey Fritz Jewels has established her reputation in the Tyler Jewelry market, designing and selling custom jewelry. After many years in a leased location, she purchased land in South Tyler and began the process of constructing a new location for her business. With the help of Tyler SBDC, she has obtained SBA guaranteed financing. See website:

Fine Jewelry Store in Tyler, TX | Ramsey Fritz Jewels Ramsey Fritz Jewels is a locally owned and operated jewelry store in Tyler, TX. We have the best fine jewelry and engagement rings around. Visit us today!

Success Story - Robert Crittenden, owner of Hall Carpet Cleaning in Mineola, has earned a reputation for dependable, high-quality carpet and floor care since founding the veteran-owned business in 2017. In January 2026, he opened a second location in Terrell and is also completing certification as a restoration specialist. Robert has steadily expanded his services and community impact over nearly a decade of operation. See website:

Carpet Cleaning in East Texas - Hall Cleaning Services Professional cleaning services in Northeast Texas. We provide carpet cleaning, tile and grout, hardwood, upholstery cleaning, and much more.

Success Story - Robert Crittenden, owner of Hall Carpet Cleaning in Mineola, has earned a reputation for dependable, high-quality carpet and floor care since founding the veteran-owned business in 2017. In January 2026, he opened a second location in Terrell and is also completing certification as a restoration specialist. Robert has steadily expanded his services and community impact over nearly a decade of operation.

Success Story - LeaAnn Fritz of Ramsey Fritz Jewels has established her reputation in the Tyler Jewelry market, designing and selling custom jewelry. After many years in a leased location, she purchased land in South Tyler and began the process of constructing a new location for her business. With the help of Tyler SBDC, she has obtained SBA guaranteed financing.