Earlier this week, Pottstown-based Cedarville Engineering was recognized with the 2022 U.S. Small Business Administration’s Eastern Pennsylvania Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award, writes Evan Brandt for The Mercury.

The company was founded in 2010 by CEO April Barkasi in a small rented office.

Over the years, Cedarville Engineering continued to move into progressively larger spaces as it grew. Today, Barkasi owns the building where the company is located and is currently in the process of renovating the lower floors where she plans to host a business incubator. She has also opened an office in Pensacola, Florida.

Barkasi’s other projects include renovating the former Mercury newspaper building she purchased into a boutique hotel.

“Financial survival requires perseverance and creativity,” said Steve Dixel, the director of SBA’s Eastern Pennsylvania District. “April faced unique challenges and learned resilience, and forged stronger relationships with clients and partners. Small business owners like April continue to play a central role in building a stronger economy.”

When accepting the award, Barkasi thanked the Pottstown community for all the support and her employees for their efforts.

“I appreciate everything you do, it’s the magic,” she said. “It’s not me, it’s you.”

Read more about Cedarville Engineering in The Mercury.