MI2 Member John Harnage Named 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky

Kentucky Thermal Institute founder recognized for business growth, innovation, and community impact. Harnage will represent Kentucky at the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3–4, 2026.

John Harnage, owner of Kentucky Thermal Institute and a Value Provider Member of MI2 through HarnageIR Services, has been named the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The award is among the SBA's highest honors for small business leadership and is presented annually as part of National Small Business Week.

Harnage was selected for his leadership, business growth, and contributions to the local economy. As the state-level honoree, he is invited to attend the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3–4, 2026, where one individual will be named the National Small Business Person of the Year.

"I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the SBA," said Harnage. "This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team, the loyalty of our customers, and the support of our local community. We are proud to represent Kentucky on a national stage."

About Kentucky Thermal Institute

Kentucky Thermal Institute is based at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus in Bowling Green. The institute specializes in thermography training and education, equipping professionals with skills in advanced thermal imaging and non-destructive inspections. Programs span building science, industrial applications, and medical thermology, with a focus on workforce development across multiple sectors.

Julie Milam, Executive Vice President of Partnership Services for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, noted: "Small businesses are the backbone of our community. We are incredibly proud of John and the Kentucky Thermal Institute team for this well-deserved honor."

Jeff Hook, Executive Director of CREATE (Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology, and Entrepreneurship) — one of six KY Innovation Hubs operated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development — added: "We have been honored to not just watch the Kentucky Thermal Institute grow, but to support John Harnage as he has become a leader in our region's entrepreneurial ecosystem."

John Harnage and MI2

Through HarnageIR Services, Harnage participates in MI2 as a Value Provider Member, offering thermal imaging services to Kentucky's metals manufacturing sector. Harnage also was a finalist in MI2's InnoSerarch Competition culminating at the 2025 KYIC in Lexington, KY this past October where he presented int front of a panel of judges.

MI2 congratulates John on this recognition.

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