Afro Deli & Grill owner Abdirahman Kahin was named Monday as the National Small Business Person of the Year during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The prestigious award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership and create sustainable, thriving businesses in their communities, according to a news release from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Kahin “reflects the best of American entrepreneurship,” said Isabella Casillas Guzman, the agency’s administrator, in the release. “Abdirahman has pursued the American dream of business ownership — overcoming challenges, launching multiple food businesses, pivoting during COVID, and lifting local neighborhoods along the way.
“He combines great ideas with hard work and diligence, and we are honored that SBA has been a part of his successful and ongoing journey.”
The award is given annually during National Small Business Week, when the SBA recognizes the ingenuity and dedication of small businesses in the United States and celebrates their contributions to the economy, according to the release.
Kahin was named the Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year earlier this year, qualifying him to compete with others from across the United States for the national title.