News Summary
The Angelo State University Small Business Development Center in San Angelo has achieved national recognition by receiving the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award. As part of Texas Small Business Week, this award highlights the center’s outstanding contributions to local economies, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Over the past year, the ASU SBDC has supported the growth of numerous small businesses, hosted various educational events, and exemplified the importance of community-focused business practices. This accolade showcases the commitment to nurturing small businesses in Texas and their impact on the economy.
Texas – Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has earned the prestigious 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recognizing its outstanding contributions to local economic growth and entrepreneurial support. The award was presented during a ceremony on May 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., as part of the SBA’s National Small Business Week awards program.
The ASU SBDC is notable for being the first entity in Texas to be awarded this accolade. Its recognition stems from its commitment to excellence and innovation across multiple areas, which significantly enhances small business operations in the San Angelo region and beyond.
Throughout the fiscal year 2024, the ASU SBDC played a vital role in the startup and expansion of 76 small businesses via confidential advisory services. This support facilitated the creation and retention of over 390 jobs and infused more than $6.75 million into the local economy. The center also hosted 113 training events and seminars, attracting over 1,900 attendees eager to improve their business acumen.
Inessa Stepanenko, the SBA deputy district director, commended the ASU SBDC for its profound impact on local entrepreneurs, noting that it serves as a model for supporting small businesses effectively. This is especially significant in a state where small businesses employ nearly half of the workforce and contribute to economic resilience.
San Angelo’s local businesses, such as Premiere Re-Builders, exemplify the community spirit celebrated during Texas Small Business Week. Blake Duncan, the owner of Premiere Re-Builders, highlighted the familial bond among local enterprises that enhances customer service and fosters a supportive environment for patrons.
The Angelo State University SBDC has been a cornerstone of entrepreneurial growth since its opening in 1990, operating from the downtown Business Resource Center. With a dedicated team comprising a five-person staff and three ASU graduate students, the center provides essential expertise in business planning, financing, marketing, and management.
In addition to advising established businesses, the SBDC offers practical experiences for ASU graduate business students through internships, enriching their academic journey while contributing to local economic development. The center also hosts the annual BizPitch entrepreneurship contest, inviting students from all academic disciplines to showcase their business ideas for a chance at significant prizes, further nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship within the community.
Texas boasts over 3 million small businesses, and the effort of organizations like the ASU SBDC proves pivotal in supporting their survival and growth. The ASU SBDC not only empowers local entrepreneurs but plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of the Concho Valley, making it a thoughtful investment in Texas’s future.
The ongoing support provided by the ASU SBDC highlights the importance of small businesses as the backbone of Texas’s economy. As the state continues to evolve, the initiatives led by the SBDC will remain instrumental in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Concho Valley Homepage: San Angelo’s Premiere Re-Builders Showcase Texas Business Spirit
- San Angelo Live: Angelo State’s Small Business Center Wins National Award
- My Fox Zone: Angelo State SBDC National Excellence Award
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Small Business Development Center
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