Frank Lopez<\/a><\/p>\nThe U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized a Kingsburg outdoor gear manufacturer and a Fresno women\u2019s entrepreneurship center among its Central California honorees for National Small Business Week.<\/p>\n
National Small Business Week runs May 3-9 and honors the hard work and dedication of the nation\u2019s 36 million small businesses.<\/p>\n
The SBA Fresno District Office named Gear Perspective of Kingsburg the 2026 Central California Manufacturer of the Year.<\/p>\n
The company manufactures packs, rope bags and accessories for canyoneering, hiking and backpacking using lightweight, durable performance textiles \u2014 products designed to help outdoor enthusiasts carry less weight.<\/p>\n
Gear Perspective is owned by Ursula Gilliam, whose background in outdoor adventure and technical disciplines shapes the company\u2019s product design. Gilliam holds a private pilot license, a Federal Aviation Administration parachute rigger certificate, a United States Parachute Association skydiving D-license and a National Association of Underwater Instructors scuba certification.<\/p>\n
Gilliam, who was previously working as a credentialed math teacher, said that she started Gear Perspective as a side hustle in 2021 and this is the first year she\u2019s gone full-time with it.<\/p>\n
She said she was really excited upon hearing about the recognition from the SBA.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been working so hard for so long,\u201d Gilliam said. \u201cSo much blood, tears, sweat\u2026it\u2019s finally paying off. You just have to keep blindly going and believing in your dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2021 she was canyoneering in the Sierras, carrying a heavy backpack and a heavy rope bag with a wet rope.<\/p>\n
She thought there had to be a better way and decided to use lightweight, technical fabrics to make something better, and the business took off from there.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also allows more people to enjoy more things and not worry about weight or be uncomfortable. It welcomes more people into more adventures,\u201d Gilliam said.<\/p>\n
![\"two](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ursula-gilliam.png\")
Gear Perspective owner Ursula Gilliam, right, in freefall. Gilliam is a licensed pilot, parachute rigger and skydiver. Perspective Gear photo<\/p>\n
The Central California Women\u2019s Entrepreneurship Center was named Central California Women\u2019s Business Center of the Year.<\/p>\n
Affiliated with Fresno State, the center has served a key role across the San Joaquin Valley in helping female entrepreneurs start up, scale up and succeed. It is part of the SBA\u2019s Resource Partner network, providing free one-on-one assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n
Nelson Ayala, owner of United Pipe & Steel Fabrication in Bakersfield, was named Central California Small Business Person of the Year. The full-service company specializes in custom fabrication, process integration and on-site installation.<\/p>\n
Aspen Outdoor Management in Groveland, which provides guided outdoor adventures in and around Yosemite National Park, was named 2026 Central California Rural Small Business of the Year.<\/p>\n
The SBA will recognize all San Joaquin Valley 2026 National Small Business Week award winners at a ceremony Wednesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fresno SBA District Office. The event is open to the public.<\/p>\n
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