A Wiregrass business rooted in family, agriculture and entrepreneurship is receiving statewide recognition—and Troy University announced Wednesday that it is inviting the community to celebrate and learn more about resources available to small businesses across the region.
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 honored across the state this year.
“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,” Juliana Bolivar, director of the Small Business Development Center at Troy University, said.
According to the university’s press release, an important part of that journey came through Troy University’s Small Business Development Center.
“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,” Bolivar said.
Today, Mt. Moriah Farms has hired two part-time employees, created apprenticeship opportunities and expanded into 11 local retail shops that carry its skincare products. The business is also looking toward expansion beyond Alabama.
Scott’s recognition also highlights the role the Small Business Development Center plays in the region. The center provides business training, advising, technical assistance and one-on-one support to entrepreneurs and communities. Its work includes helping businesses move from idea to structure and strengthening branding and market readiness.
To celebrate Scott’s achievement and reconnect the community with support available to entrepreneurs, Troy University said it will host a National Small Business Week event on Tuesday, May 5, at 4 p.m. at the Troy University Dothan Campus.
The session will include “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.
The event is intended not only to recognize Scott’s achievement but also to invite business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community partners and the public to meet SBDC staff, connect with SBA representatives and learn more about resources available through both organizations.
Attendees will have a chance to celebrate a local success story while gaining a better understanding of how Troy University’s SBDC supports businesses at different stages, whether they are just getting started, looking to grow or trying to better understand available opportunities and assistance.
The event is open to the public. The RSVP link can be found here.
