CUBA — The town and village of Cuba have been recognized by the Small Business Administration for proactive support of small business development.

Earlier this month, representatives from Allegany County and the Cuba Chamber of Commerce joined SBA Buffalo District officials in Cuba to recognize the community’s exceptional efforts in “Economic Gardening” — “a forward-thinking strategy focused on growing local businesses from within,” accodrding to the SBA.

Following an award presentation, officials toured the community to visit several of the nominated businesses. Stops included White Imprints, The Radix, Six South Pizza, Tap-n-Pour and The Little Alchemy Shop — each a positive example of local entrepreneurship.

Allegany County led the way in SBA award nominations, with seven local businesses, the highest number among the 14 counties in SBA’s Buffalo region. Notably, the five nominees in the town and village of Cuba underscored the community’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, the SBA stated.

SBA explains Economic Gardening is a progressive economic development approach that empowers locally rooted businesses with the tools, market insights and strategies needed to expand and thrive. Rather than relying solely on external business recruitment, this model nurtures internal growth by supporting entrepreneurs as the drivers of job creation and economic vitality.

“Congratulations to all our local small business nominees, and to the town and village of Cuba for this well-deserved recognition,” the SBA in Buffalo stated in a press release. “Your commitment to local economic growth is a model for communities across the region.”