The National Small Business Week awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., selected Iam C. Tucker of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI) of Louisiana as the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2024.
Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, presented Tucker with the award last month. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership and build sustainable, thriving companies. For over 60 years, the ceremony has been a highlight of the SBA’s annual NSBW celebrations.
In a statement, Guzman said, “The SBA is proud to recognize 2024 National Small Business Person of the Year Iam C. Tucker, who exemplifies the grit, ingenuity, and determination that define our nation’s entrepreneurs.”
She added, “As a second-generation owner of ILSI, Iam has overseen tremendous business growth over the last 15 years in the engineering field while demonstrating the value of hard work and resourcefulness in ensuring continued resilience. I am honored that the SBA has been a part of her successful and ongoing journey.”
Tucker is the President and CEO of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI), a New Orleans-based civil engineering firm that specializes in sewage, water, street, and drainage design projects.
Tucker has been the second-generation owner of ILSI for over 15 years, growing the firm from 9 to 50 workers and generating more than $2.7 million in revenue. Under her leadership, ILSI has received over 100 contracts from state, local, and federal entities.
The honoree took advantage of financial support provided by SBA loan programs and is a graduate of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program for federal contractors. Under her guidance, ILSI Engineering has expanded its local and national skills and clientele.
Tucker was also nominated and accepted to join the Greater New Orleans Inc. Foundation (GNO), a prominent catalytic business development association in the area, according to the ILSI website. She won the title of “Reader’s Choice—Minority Business of the Year” from the Times-Picayune.
