San Diego’s Francisco Rivera Wins SBA 2023 Veteran Small Business of the Year Award


Published on April 22, 2023

San Diego-based Wepa Commercial Cleaning President Francisco Rivera has been awarded the prestigious Small Business Administration (SBA) 2023 Veteran Small Business of The Year. Rivera, a 16-year military veteran, served in three major campaigns against terrorism: Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

As a military police officer, Rivera worked alongside some of our nation’s elite forces, including the Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces. His dedication to service continued even after his retirement from the military, as he founded Wepa Commercial Cleaning and took on a new kind of enemy – an invisible one.

Francisco Rivera and his team at Wepa Commercial Cleaning played a crucial role in helping the cities of San Diego and Los Angeles eradicate COVID-19. They applied over 50 million square feet of electrostatic disinfecting to various spaces, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless residents.

Rivera’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has previously received the Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2019 and Small Business of the Year award in 2020. Now, with the esteemed SBA 2023 Veteran Small Business of The Year honor under his belt, Rivera’s success story is truly inspiring.

San Diego's Francisco Rivera Wins SBA 2023

In addition to his business ventures, Rivera is passionate about helping fellow veterans and small businesses. He has expressed a particular interest in running for Mayor of San Diego in 2024, aiming to make a difference in his community. Francisco’s tenacity and drive can be traced back to his parents, who instilled in him the importance of giving 110% in everything he does.

Rivera’s most famous quote perfectly encapsulates his unwavering determination: “Without commitment, there is no start. But more importantly, without consistency, there is no finish.” This philosophy has carried him through his military career, business endeavors, and now towards his aspirations for political office.

As Francisco Rivera continues to break new ground and make a difference in the lives of others, it is evident that his commitment and consistency will continue to bring success not only to himself but to those around him. The SBA 2023 Veteran Small Business of The Year award is a testament to his dedication, and we look forward to witnessing Rivera’s future achievements.

San Diego's Francisco Rivera Wins SBA 2023
Newsroom Editor