SmartBiz® Names SKATEYOGI, LLC 2019 SmallBiz of the Year to Celebrate Small Business Saturday

SmartBiz Loans®, the leading online bank marketplace for SBA loans, is celebrating Small Business Saturday® by awarding SKATEYOGI, LLC $1000 for being chosen as "SmallBiz of the Year" for 2019. The small business was selected from a pool of customers who applied and received a loan through the banks in the SmartBiz marketplace before October 31st, 2019, have a unique business, and demonstrated strong year-over-year revenue growth.

SKATEYOGI, LLC, owned by Kevin Banahan and his wife Yasuyo Takeos, is spreading the culture, creativity, and community of skateboarding through group classes, private lessons, afterschool programs, and camps. Located in Brooklyn, NY and operating out of a brick and mortar indoor space, the small business has the mission of spreading the love of skateboarding to all ages in a fun environment.

"We're recognizing SKATEYOGI for the positive effect they have on adults and children in their community as well as their outstanding growth," said Evan Singer, CEO of SmartBiz Loans. "The business owners' passion and drive epitomizes the commitment entrepreneurs all across America have to achieving their business dreams."

SKATEYOGI co-owner Kevin said, "We are excited to be chosen for this distinction. The proceeds from our SBA loan allows us to hire and explore new locations for expansion. Our goal is to bring our passion for the sport of skateboarding to more and more customers in our community."

SmartBiz Loans created the annual SmallBiz of the Year award in 2018 to recognize the value small businesses contribute to the U.S. economy. As of 2019, there are 28.8 million small businesses in the United States and they have 56.8 million employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small Business Saturday is observed this year on Saturday, November 30^th to encourage consumers to "Shop Small" and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. Shoppers, small businesses, and civic leaders come together to support small businesses and help their communities thrive. SmartBiz has created a Small Business Saturday Resource Guide with statistics about the benefits of Small Business Saturday, strategies for success, and free unique marketing materials. Download the guide here.

ABOUT SMARTBIZ LOANS

SmartBiz Loans® (www.smartbizloans.com) is the #1 online bank marketplace for SBA loans. The company's advanced software streamlines the SBA and bank loan application process. Small businesses can now apply online and qualified applicants can get funds in as fast as 7 days through SmartBiz® marketplace banks . SmartBiz also facilitates term loans and other financing options through its bank marketplace that has funded over $1.5 billion in small business loans.

SmartBiz Loans is based in San Francisco and was founded in 2009 by a team of experienced financial services entrepreneurs with backing from leading venture capital firms including Venrock, Investor Growth Capital, First Round Capital, Baseline Ventures, and Uncork Capital. Learn more at www.smartbizloans.com.