The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Greg and Shelley McArthur, co-founders and owners of NTL Industries, Inc., as the 2025 National Small Business Persons of the Year, the highest honor bestowed during National Small Business Week.
The McArthurs were initially selected as Michigan’s Small Business Persons of the Year, and went on to compete against winners from each state, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. On May 5, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., the SBA announced the McArthurs as the national winners, recognizing their remarkable entrepreneurial journey, business success, and community impact.
Founded in 2017 in the McArthurs’ garage, NTL Industries has grown into a 13,200-square-foot CNC precision machining facility in Sterling Heights. The company specializes in build-to-print prototype and production manufacturing, serving clients primarily in the defense and aerospace industries. Staffed today by 13 full-time employees, NTL Industries has demonstrated outstanding growth, innovation, and resilience in a competitive sector.
Greg and Shelley McArthur, high school sweethearts and business partners, have been married for 21 years and are proud parents of two children. Shelley, as the company’s co-founder and a key driver of its success, has helped lead NTL Industries as an SBA-certified Women-Owned Small Business. The McArthurs credit programs like the SBA’s APEX Accelerators for helping them expand into government contracting.
In addition to commercial and defense manufacturing, NTL Industries has contributed to the community by donating custom parts to Formula One racing teams at Michigan universities, supporting the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“Greg and Shelley McArthur exemplify the spirit of American entrepreneurship,” said SBA District Director, Michigan, Laketa Henderson. “From humble beginnings to a thriving manufacturing business making vital contributions to national defense, they embody the innovation, grit, and community-minded leadership we celebrate during National Small Business Week.”
Reflecting on their win, the McArthurs said, “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the SBA’s National Small Business Persons of the Year. This journey has been one of hard work, late nights, and unwavering belief in what we’re building—not just for ourselves, but for our team, our community, and our country. We hope our story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter where they start.”
The National Small Business Person of the Year Award recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power, employee and revenue growth, financial performance, response to adversity, and commitment to community-oriented projects. The McArthurs stood out in all categories, and their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and purpose.
For more than 60 years, the SBA has celebrated National Small Business Week, recognizing the vital contributions of America’s entrepreneurs. This year’s celebration takes place May 4–10, 2025, and Sterling Heights City Council approved a resolution recognizing Small Business Week in Sterling Heights at their May 6 meeting.