Globaltraded.com — Spectrum International LLC, a Georgia-based manufacturer specializing in contact lenses, has been named the 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The company, led by Colombian immigrant Felipe Arroyave, will be officially recognized during the SBA’s National Small Business Week, an annual event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of small businesses across the United States.
Felipe Arroyave’s journey is a testament to the American dream. After immigrating to the U.S. at 18, Arroyave spent nearly two decades working in the vision industry while earning a degree in international business. In 2017, he launched Spectrum International LLC with a mission to “create a world that sees better.” The company now employs 28 people and exports its specialized contact lenses to over 65 countries.
“Spectrum International exemplifies the innovation and global reach of America’s small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “Felipe Arroyave’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have not only led to impressive business growth but also to significant contributions to our economy. We are proud to honor Spectrum as the 2024 Exporter of the Year and highlight how SBA’s programs, like the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), are helping small businesses expand their global footprint.”
Spectrum International’s success story is bolstered by support from the SBA. In 2022, the company received a STEP grant through the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which helped offset the costs of participating in the Arab Health Trade Show. This opportunity allowed the company to showcase its U.S.-made technology to international markets, further solidifying its global presence.
The company’s philanthropic initiative, ‘Changing Lives,’ extends its impact beyond business by providing free vision treatments and products to those in need. Arroyave is also an active member of the Georgia District Export Council, where he advises other businesses on how to navigate the complexities of international trade.
“Spectrum International LLC has demonstrated outstanding success in the global market, aided by the SBA’s STEP grant program. We are thrilled to have supported their journey from a local business to a global player,” said Claire Ehmann, Acting Associate Administrator for International Trade at the SBA.
As the 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year, Spectrum International stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success and international reach. The company’s recognition during National Small Business Week underscores the vital role of small businesses in driving the U.S. economy and competing on the global stage.
