Heather Duncan and staff celebrated for one year in business and statewide honor

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Heather Duncan was shocked. Preparing to celebrate one year as the owner of Blye’s Bridal Loft, the fashionable entrepreneur learned that she had been named the Indiana Small Business Development Center’s Business of the Year.

The honor brought with it a bit of a crowd, as a contingent from the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance joined her on May 1 for the dual celebration. Lita Rouser, business advisor for the Indiana Small Business Development Center, joined them to present the award.

“When (Leah) told me, I didn’t take her seriously,” said Duncan. “But I do want to say thank you, because she was huge in teaching me things and being a good ear to listen to when I get frustrated or excited.”

Rouser was quite serious about the honor. She was on hand with a commemorative plaque and plenty of kind words for Duncan and Blye’s.

“We help small businesses launch and prosper and move through all the various challenges that come about,” said Rouser. “Heather Duncan is an exceptional role model for any business owner, so when it came time this year to choose a business owner to recognize, there was just no doubt who I wanted to select for this.

“Heather has an attitude of looking at the big picture, looking at the small details, being able to manage all of those, accept the ones she couldn’t change and move forward and change the ones she could. She’s been a role model for me and an inspiration for me, and so it’s a real honor for me to recognize her as the 2026 Indiana Small Business Development Center Business of the Year.”

With a crowd of friends, family and well-wishers filling the showroom at Blye’s Bridal Loft, Duncan expressed her gratitude for the honor.

“This has been quite a ride the past year, and I have a lot of people here supporting me,” said Duncan. “I couldn’t do it without you and my husband Zak. Thank you for putting up with me, always having my back, and always believing in me.

“And my employees are wonderful. I love you girls. You’re a huge inspiration and a huge help to me. The community of women that we have put together in this store; I don’t think that a lot of people realize what we’ve done. We have brought women together who didn’t know each other, and we have created lasting friendships and created a safe space where we can be comfortable and be ourselves and support each other. That’s all I can ask for!”

Once the plaque was presented, Kokomo Chamber of Commerce President Courtney Butler gathered the Chamber Ambassadors around for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate Duncan’s first year in business.

“One year in business, but also winning business of the year, is a huge thing,” said Butler. “That’s something you should pat yourself on the back for, but it really is all of you supporting small local businesses and downtown businesses. They are the cornerstone of our community and our ecosystem. Just truly, thank you for all you do.”