A Gear Perspective rope bag rests on ledge as an adventurer rappels a waterfall in the background. The Kingsburg company manufactures packs, rope bags and accessories for canyoneering, hiking and backpacking. Gear Perspective photo

The U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized a Kingsburg outdoor gear manufacturer and a Fresno women’s entrepreneurship center among its Central California honorees for National Small Business Week.

National Small Business Week runs May 3-9 and honors the hard work and dedication of the nation’s 36 million small businesses.

The SBA Fresno District Office named Gear Perspective of Kingsburg the 2026 Central California Manufacturer of the Year.

The company manufactures packs, rope bags and accessories for canyoneering, hiking and backpacking using lightweight, durable performance textiles — products designed to help outdoor enthusiasts carry less weight.

Gear Perspective is owned by Ursula Gilliam, whose background in outdoor adventure and technical disciplines shapes the company’s 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.

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’s gone full-time with it.

She said she was really excited upon hearing about the recognition from the SBA.

“I’ve been working so hard for so long,” Gilliam said. “So much blood, tears, sweat…it’s finally paying off. You just have to keep blindly going and believing in your dream.”

In 2021 she was canyoneering in the Sierras, carrying a heavy backpack and a heavy rope bag with a wet rope.

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.

“It also allows more people to enjoy more things and not worry about weight or be uncomfortable. It welcomes more people into more adventures,” Gilliam said.

The Central California Women’s Entrepreneurship Center was named Central California Women’s Business Center of the Year.

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’s Resource Partner network, providing free one-on-one assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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.

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.

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.