A Clear Vision: SBA's 2025 Mid-Atlantic Regional Exporter of the Year is Wissmach Glass
SBA Office of Manufacturing and Trade
Our mission is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
For more than a century, The Paul Wissmach Glass Company has been crafting colored glass in Paden City, West Virginia. Under the leadership of President and CEO Jason Wilburn and Chief Operating Officer Annabelle Javier , this family-owned business has continued to innovate while staying true to its artisanal roots. With Jason’s background in manufacturing management and Annabelle’s passion for the glass arts, the company has expanded its reach beyond hobbyists and designers to international artists, architects, and studios. Their commitment to quality has made Wissmach Glass a globally recognized name in the world of stained and kiln-formed glass.
Wissmach has leveraged several U.S. government programs, including SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant, the Export-Import Bank of the United States ' Credit Insurance, and working with the U.S. Export Assistance Center. Together, these tools have unlocked new markets abroad. As a result, exports now account for 30% of total sales and sustain ten full-time jobs—nearly a quarter of the company’s workforce.
But Wissmach isn’t just exporting glass—it’s exporting inspiration. The company actively collaborates with international artists and designers, reinforcing its reputation as a high-quality, American-made brand. A recent trip to Amsterdam led to a partnership with a designer who crafted a couture dress from Wissmach glass—a fusion of fashion and craftsmanship. That same dress now stands on display at the Pittsburgh Glass Center .
With exports fueling growth, Wissmach Glass is not only maintaining a strong position in international markets but also reinvesting in new products and sustainability. As the company continues to push boundaries and expand its artistic and architectural glass offerings, one thing is clear—Wissmach Glass isn’t just making windows; it’s opening doors to new possibilities around the world.
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STEP provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development. STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. To learn more about the national STEP program as well as how to apply to your local state or territory, visit www.sba.gov/STEP now.
EWCP allows small business owners the ability to have one single line of credit that can be used to fund both domestic and export working capital needs. These loans can be up to $5 million. To learn more about the program as well as how to get started, visit the export finance page now.