WASHINGTON and MILLSBORO, DEL. — Lisa St. Clair, founder of Millsboro-based natural dog treat bakery Tailbangers, Inc. (Tail Bangers), has been named 2022 Small Business Person of the Year by the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Delaware District Office.
St. Clair started Tail Bangers in 2003 out of a single small facility. The company has grown exponentially since by fine-tuning its manufacturing capabilities, hiring additional employees to hand-dip and decorate each treat, and expanding operations in Delaware.
In April 2021, Tail Bangers received a $1.4 million loan from ExciteSussex, a county economic development fund, to acquire additional properties and make needed improvements and expansions. On May 16, the company shared on Facebook that it has broken ground on a new facility in Delaware.
Tail Bangers’ treats are formulated using ingredients sourced within the United States and are distributed nationwide. Products include an Everyday Menu, featuring Doggie Donuts, Canine Cannolis, Barkin’ Biscottis, Twist & Barks and other baked treats, but a large portion of the business is centered around its seasonal offerings, which include holiday- and occasion-themed treats.
Source: Tail Bangers
“As a local commemoration of the Presidentially-designated National Small Business Week — celebrated this year May 2 to 5, 2022 — these awards recognize the achievements of small business, as well as small business champions and lenders in Delaware,” said Michelle Harris, director of SBA Delaware. “SBA’s small business award winners have truly distinguished themselves and represent the very best that the Delaware small business community has to offer.”
SBA Delaware announced three award winners in April, including St. Clair as Small Business Person of the Year; Jennifer McMillan, owner of home, décor and gift brand JennyGems, as Women Owned Business of the Year; and Jason and Joy Hunt, owners of Elite Feet, as Minority Owned Business of the Year.
Read more about Tail Bangers in our exclusive small business profile.
