SBDC client Mia Scott's Mt. Moriah Farms named Alabama's Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year by the SBA

A Wiregrass business with roots in family, agriculture and entrepreneurship has receiving statewide recognition.

a milk goat photograph — One of the star residents of Mt. Moriah Farms.

Mia Scott, owner of Mt. Moriah Farms in Dothan, has been named Alabama’s Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year as part of the 2026 National Small Business Week honors. The recognition places her business among a select group of small businesses being celebrated across the state this year.

Scott’s story is one that reflects both personal vision and the kind of practical support that can help a business grow with purpose.

a picture of an SBA award — The Smalll Business Administration’s Alabama Rural Owned Small Business of the Year award.

“What began as a rural family-owned dairy goat farm gradually developed into something more. Over time, Scott’s passion for Nigerian Dwarf goats and handcrafted products led to the creation of a growing line of goat milk soaps and skincare products, turning Mt. Moriah Farms into a business that blends agriculture, artisanal production and community connection,” said Juliana Bolivar, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Troy University.

An important part of that journey came through TROY SBDC.

“After completing the SBDC’s business course in December 2022, Scott gained structure and direction for formalizing the business. Support in marketing, branding and e-commerce development helped strengthen the company’s foundation and position it for growth,” said Bolivar.

Today, Mt. Moriah Farms has hired two part-time employees, created apprenticeship opportunities and expanded into 11 local retail shops carrying its skincare products, while also looking toward future expansion beyond Alabama.

a photo of three people talking — SBA Marketing and Outreach Specialist Megyn Rodriguez, SBA District Director David Glasgow listen as Mia Scott explains her operations at Mt. Moriah Farms near Dothan.

For Troy University, Scott’s recognition is also a reminder of the role the Small Business Development Center plays in the region. The work of the SBDC often happens behind the scenes — through business training, advising, technical assistance and one-on-one support — but it can have a lasting impact on the entrepreneurs and communities it serves. From helping a business move from idea to structure, to strengthening branding and market readiness, the center’s work helps build the kind of momentum that can shape local economies over time.

To celebrate Scott’s achievement and reconnect the community with the support available to entrepreneurs, TROY hosted a National Small Business Week event on Tuesday, May 5 on the Troy University Dothan Campus.

The session included “Small Business Resources in Your Community,” along with a presentation from the U.S. Small Business Administration on its services and products for small businesses that featured a message from SBA District Director for Tennessee and Acting Director for Alabama, Mr. David Glasgow.

a picture of a woman speaking — Megyn Rodriguez, Marketing and Outreach Specialist in the Alabama District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, speaks at the awards ceremony honoring Mia Scott as Alabama’s Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year.

The event was not only a recognition of Scott’s achievement, but also as served as an invitation for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community partners and members of the public to come meet the SBDC staff, connect with SBA representatives and learn more about the resources available through both organizations.

The event was followed by a networking event that featured the dessert talents of another SBDC TROY success story, Diana Corral’s Pasticceria, LLC.