Grayhawk Capital, Arizona’s longest operating venture capital firm, received recognition on Tuesday for its work with small businesses.

The Scottsdale-based firm announced it won the 2022 National Small Business Investment Company of the Year – Established Manager award for its Grayhawk Venture Fund II LP.

Grayhawk is the first investment firm in Arizona to receive the award. Grayhawk Managing Partners Brian N. Burns, Sherman Chu, and Brian S. Smith were presented with the accolade during a national virtual event highlighting National Small Business Week.

“We’re grateful to be a part of the SBIC Program that plays a significant role in creating and sustaining jobs in the small business sector,” said Chu in a press release.  “It’s rewarding to assist in financing promising small businesses that require capital for their growth, expansion and modernization.”

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses, noted the award recognizes Grayhawk Capital for its mission dedication, successful investment track record, and unwavering support of small businesses nationwide, particularly in underserved markets. There are approximately 300 SBIC’s in the U.S.

Grayhawk Capital recently received its third SBIC license from the SBA after successfully repaying the outstanding leverage and fulfilling its obligations on the first two licenses.

Grayhawk Capital has made close to 40 investments since 2000, primarily in the Southwest U.S., with an aggregate exit value of over $4 billion.