WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, recognized four SBA Resource Partners of the Year awardees. The awardees – from Wisconsin, Michigan, Colorado, and Mississippi – will be honored at a ceremony during National Small Business Week, April 30-May 1, 2024.
"This year’s Resource Partner of the Year awardees are making a real difference in the lives of countless small business owners — connecting them with tools and resources and empowering them with the strength of their networks and their expertise," stated Administrator Guzman. She also added, "The SBA is proud to recognize all of the honorees for their achievements and is grateful for their continued work to uplift our nation's veterans, women entrepreneurs, and all of America's 33 million small businesses."
Associate Administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid expressed his congratulations to the awardees, saying, "We congratulate these tremendous SBA Resource Partner honorees, distinguished in service and impact to our small business owners from Washington state to California to Florida."
Among the recognized partners is Lisa Foster, Chapter Chair of SCORE Southeast Wisconsin, who shared her gratitude by stating, "I’m grateful to receive recognition for what we have achieved."
Shawntay LaNesha Dixon, Director of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, was also honored, with a focus on her dedication to helping women entrepreneurs and advocating for their voices on Capitol Hill. Shawntay expressed her enjoyment in representing women entrepreneurs and highlighting their impact on the economy and communities.
Recognized for excellence and innovation, Marcia McGilley, Director of the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center in Colorado, emphasized the center's success in equipping entrepreneurs and making a difference in the world of small business.
The Mississippi State University Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Starkville, Mississippi, under the leadership of Director Mark Scott, was awarded the Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award for their commitment to supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
The SBA Resource Partners play a crucial role in providing technical assistance, training, and access to capital for America's small businesses. The annual awards recognize the winners' impact on local economic growth, job creation, and support of the nation's newest entrepreneurs.
For more information about National Small Business Week, interested individuals can visit www.sba.gov/NSBW.
