For Immediate Release
May 22, 2023
Springfield-based company is a minority and woman owned, design, build, and renovation construction firm.
BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named City Enterprise, Inc. the 2023 8(a) Graduate of the Year for Massachusetts and New England.
City Enterprise is a full-service contractor, specializing in government, municipal and commercial projects. The firm is certified as an Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business with the SBA, as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and as a Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
President and CEO Wonderlyn Murphy started City Enterprise in 2004 as a part-time operation focused on building houses. The goal, Murphy states, was always rooted in earning 8 (a) certification.
“There was never any doubt that 8 (a) certification was what I needed to propel the business to the next level,” said Murphy. “Through the SBA 8 (a) program, I was availed resources and opportunities that otherwise simply would not have existed for City Enterprise. I am extremely grateful for the support and pathways that the program opened for the company,” she said.
“Wonderlyn has built a special organization that has thrived after completing the SBA’s 8(a) program,” said District Director Robert Nelson. “It’s amazing to see how City Enterprise has found a winning formula that continually demonstrates extraordinary financial performance under Wonderlyn’ s tremendous leadership.”
In 2020, Murphy was awarded the Community Builder Award recognized by The Urban League of Springfield for her extraordinary accomplishments as a minority business owner and role model.
Murphy said the company is committed to giving back to the Springfield community, where it is based. She herself serves as an open-door mentor to up-and-coming entrepreneurs providing support, advice, and connections. Annually, the company holds a Thanksgiving food drive and a holiday toy drive. And periodically, City Enterprise hosts a free document shredding event for the neighborhood.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the top 8(a) graduate in New England. I look forward to continued growth for City Enterprise and I also look forward to expanding on our efforts to give back to community, which is important to our business model,” Murphy said. “I would like to recognize and thank the entire City Enterprise team for their hard work and dedication; the City of Springfield for their support of small business; my parents for grounding me to do this work; and my entire family for their continued belief in me.”
Murphy has been recipient of the Super 60 Revenue Growth Award for eight consecutive years, a recognition that celebrates the success of privately-owned businesses in the region.
Today, City Enterprise, Inc. has 14 employees with plans to grow in 2023, including and renovation and expansion of its home office.
Murphy will be honored at the annual SCORE Boston Celebrates Small Business Success Featuring the Massachusetts SBA 2023 Small Business Awards on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel, Needham, MA.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
