[Temecula, CA] - March 18, 2025 - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Qais Alkurdi, CEO of HQE Systems, Inc., the 2025 Small Business Person of the Year for California. Recognized for his innovation, leadership, and commitment to economic growth, Alkurdi now advances as a nominee for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award.
With over 4 million small businesses in California, this prestigious recognition underscores Alkurdi's exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship, his dedication to supporting veterans and young professionals, and his role in shaping the future of security and emergency response solutions.
A Journey of Service, Innovation & Impact
A legal immigrant, disabled U.S. Marine Corps military veteran, and entrepreneur, Alkurdi's journey is one of resilience, service, and innovation. After serving in the military, he founded HQE Systems, a leading force in life safety, electronic security, and systems integration. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered cutting-edge AI-driven security solutions, helping protect communities worldwide.
"As a legal immigrant and disabled veteran, my mission has always been clear: do my part to help make the world a better place," said Alkurdi. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our amazing team at HQE Systems, working tirelessly to develop technology that makes a difference and saves lives! We are committed to ensuring that all government facilities, military installations, businesses, school campuses, and local communities are safer through innovative and affordable security solutions."
Qais Alkurdi, CEO, HQE Systems
HQE Systems: Advancing Security & Emergency Response
HQE Systems has rapidly emerged as a leader in life-saving electronic security, mass notification, and emergency response solutions. Under Alkurdi's leadership, the company stands out for its:
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Commitment to Public Safety - HQE's mass notification and integrated security solutions protect millions of people across government, military, corporate, and public environments.
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Veteran-Led Mission - As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), HQE prioritizes hiring veterans, with over 60% of its workforce comprised of military veterans.
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Security & AI Innovation - HQE is at the forefront of AI-powered emergency response, predictive threat detection, and real-time security automation.
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Government Contracting Success - HQE has secured major contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), General Services Administration (GSA), and SeaPort Next Generation (NxG).
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Technology That Saves Lives - The company's state-of-the-art solutions enable organizations to detect threats before they escalate, automate emergency communications, and enhance situational awareness.
National Recognition & Next Steps
As part of National Small Business Week (NSBW) 2025, which runs from May 4-10, Alkurdi will represent California in Washington, D.C., competing for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on May 5, 2025, at a special event led by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
The event will celebrate the critical role that small businesses play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation across the country, recognizing excellence in government contracting, disaster recovery, and small business investment. For more information about National Small Business Week (NSBW) 2025, visit the SBA's NSBW page.
Read more about the SBA's 2025 National Small Business Week award winners here.