The Virginia Small Business Development Center of the Greater Roanoke & NRV region has announced Nadean Carson as the recipient of the Greater Roanoke & NRV Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award. This moment is historic and marks a significant milestone, as Carson is the first woman to receive this accolade.

About the Award

The Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year Award was developed to not only recognize Virginia veterans who have made significant contributions to the economy through their small businesses, but also to highlight those veterans who have made meaningful differences in their communities. 

Every year, the Greater Roanoke & NRV SBDC selects one veteran business owner for the award, which recognizes the veterans who have made contributions to the economy through their businesses and who have positively impacted their communities through the promotion of duty and volunteerism. Each local winner is also considered for the Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year Award.

The Virginia Small Business Development Center Network has celebrated veteran entrepreneurs with this annual award since 2000, with the Greater Roanoke & NRV region participating since 2003. The network’s commitment to empowering veteran business owners fosters a culture of excellence and service.  

Acknowledging the Contributions of Women in the Greater Roanoke & NRV Area

Military veterans have long served their communities. However, with Carson being the first woman to receive this honor, this year’s award marks a special spot not just in Virginia’s local history, but also for small businesses.

“This year’s Greater Roanoke & NRV Veteran of the Year award highlights the incredible contributions women veterans are making in the entrepreneurial space,” said Tom Tanner, VET Biz Coordinator and Lead Advisor, Virginia SBDC, Greater Roanoke & NRV. “As the first solo woman to receive this honor, our recipient exemplifies resilience, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines so many veteran business owners. Her success is a testament to the importance of supporting our veteran community with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive.”

About Nadean Carson

Nadean Carson has demonstrated a commitment to community service in Virginia. She and her team have spent countless volunteer hours and financial resources in support of Habitat for Humanity. Carson also played a role in organizing the 2024 Women’s Build and is helming plans for a 2025 Veterans’ Build. Her work with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, showcases the growing role of women veterans in shaping their communities, as well as Carson’s own commitment to making a difference in her community.

“As a veteran and small business owner, I am deeply honored to receive the Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year award,” Nadean Carson shared. “Being the first solo woman to earn this recognition is both humbling and inspiring. This milestone reflects not only the hard work and dedication of Oya Construction but also the progress we’re making in opening doors for women in industries like construction and stormwater management. I hope this achievement inspires other women veterans to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and break barriers in their own fields. Together, we are showing what’s possible.”