San Angelo Business Community Celebration
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.
In the heart of San Angelo, there’s a buzz of celebration as the Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This recognition comes during the national festivities of Texas Small Business Week, where small businesses across the state are celebrated for their contributions to the economy.
Did you know that Texas boasts over 3 million small businesses? It’s crazy to think how these local businesses provide nearly half of the workforce in the state! Among them is Premiere Re-Builders, a San Angelo business that exemplifies the kind of close-knit, family-like atmosphere that local ventures foster. Blake Duncan, the owner, has pointed out how the relationships between small businesses enhance customer service, creating a community spirit that goes beyond dollar signs.
Mark your calendars! The big honor for the ASU SBDC was announced during a special ceremony on May 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This award shines a spotlight on the incredible work that’s being done to boost local economies, steer job creation, and provide help to budding entrepreneurs. The ASU SBDC isn’t just the first in Texas to receive this honor; it sets a benchmark for excellence nationwide!
So, what makes the ASU SBDC stand out? Their excellence isn’t just a fluke; it’s the result of hard work and dedication. Under the guidance of its director, the SBDC has shown phenomenal performance across diverse areas. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, the center helped with the startup and expansion of a whopping 76 small businesses through personalized, confidential advisory services.
Moreover, they hosted 113 training events and seminars that educated over 1,900 attendees, creating an effective learning ecosystem. These programs have made a huge impact, leading to the creation and retention of over 390 jobs and injecting more than $6.75 million into the regional economy. That’s some serious business magic!
The ASU SBDC has operated as a central hub for entrepreneurial growth in San Angelo and the surrounding Concho Valley since it opened its doors in 1990. The center runs with a dedicated team made up of a five-person staff and three graduate students from ASU. Their focus? Offering expertise in essential areas like business planning, financing, marketing, and management. It’s a real treasure trove of information!
One unique aspect of the SBDC is how it connects academic and practical experience. ASU graduate business students get the opportunity to sharpen their skills through internships at the center. This not only boosts their resumes but also ensures that local businesses receive top-notch assistance from savvy, up-and-coming business minds.
And there’s more! The SBDC hosts an exciting annual BizPitch entrepreneurship contest, inviting students from all academic backgrounds to pitch their business ideas. This innovative event is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to compete for significant prize money—making it even easier for them to turn their dreams into reality.
This Texas Small Business Week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable impact that centers like the ASU SBDC have on our communities. With their dedication to fostering small businesses, creating jobs, and making our local economy thrive, it’s no wonder they’ve achieved such an incredible honor. Cheers to all small businesses in San Angelo and beyond!
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