ASU’s SBDC Receives National Award for Excellence

Categories: Texas Business NewsTexas EducationTexas News

News Summary

San Angelo’s Angelo State University Small Business Development Center has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This recognition marks a significant achievement, as ASU SBDC is the first in Texas to receive this honor. With impressive accomplishments in client counseling, job creation, and local economic support, the SBDC has proven to be a pivotal force in enhancing entrepreneurship and community development. The award ceremony will take place on May 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Exciting News for San Angelo: ASU’s SBDC Shines Bright with National Award

San Angelo is buzzing with excitement! The Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) just snagged a prestigious honor—the 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This remarkable recognition isn’t merely for show; it highlights the stellar work being done in our very own backyard to uplift local businesses and spark economic growth.

Mark Your Calendars for May 5, 2025

Circle May 5, 2025, on your calendars, friends! This is when the award ceremony will take place in none other than Washington, D.C. It’s all part of the SBA’s annual National Small Business Week awards program, celebrating institutions that are poised to make a difference in their communities. This event promises to be a heartwarming display of achievement and hard work.

A Texas First

Now, here’s the icing on the cake: ASU’s SBDC is the first organization in Texas to claim this award in its category! That’s some fantastic news for San Angelo, folks! The SBDC has really rolled up its sleeves to achieve impressive numbers that have positively influenced our local economy.

But what does that mean for you? Well, the SBDC has counseled an impressive 164% of its goal for total clients. This isn’t just a number; it’s a real testament to their dedication to helping people in our community achieve their business dreams. They’ve also seen a fantastic 152% of their goal for business start-ups and expansions, showcasing their knack for turning dreams into reality!

Job Market Booms

The job scene is getting a vibrant boost thanks to the SBDC’s tireless efforts. They’ve helped create and retain 390 jobs, surpassing their target by a whopping 140%. But it doesn’t stop there! This powerhouse of progress has managed to funnel over $6.75 million into our regional economy, achieving an impressive 150% of their goal. That’s a serious cash infusion into our community!

Learning and Growing Together

Education is where it all starts, and the SBDC is keen on sharing that knowledge with the community. They have hosted an astounding 113 training events and seminars that brought in over 1,900 eager attendees. That’s a stellar 193% achievement of their goals! With 141 training events held overall, the commitment to education is absolutely evident!

Meet the Team Working Behind the Scenes

The ASU SBDC has been paving the way since 1990, serving a ten-county region with a passionate team dedicated to providing expert business advice and training. They focus on crucial elements like planning, financing, marketing, and management. Their cozy office in the Business Resource Center downtown makes it easily accessible for all entrepreneurs.

The team comprises five skilled staff members and three enthusiastic ASU graduate students. These students get real-world experience through internships, making it a win-win situation for both the community and future business gurus!

Thrilling Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’ve got a business idea swirling around in your mind, you might want to check out the annual BizPitch entrepreneurship contest hosted by ASU. This contest invites students from all majors to showcase their ideas for a chance to win some serious prize money. Who knows? It might just be the catalyst you need to set your entrepreneurial spirit free!

Celebrating Success

2024, the SBDC played a key role in launching and expanding 76 small businesses. That’s not just a statistic; it represents dreams realized and livelihoods created. The SBDC stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in our community.

As we gear up for the award ceremony in 2025, let’s take a moment to cheer for the amazing efforts of the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center. Together, we’re crafting a vibrant future for San Angelo’s economy, one small business at a time!