News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Contact: Kevin McGoldrick; communications@nysbdc.org, (800) 732-7232

NYSBDC Advisor Willa Smith Earns Prestigious 2024 State Star Award

Stony Brook University SBDC's financial expert recognized for outstanding contributions to New York's small business community

Albany, NY – Willa Smith, Advanced Certified Small Business Advisor at Stony Brook University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been honored with America's SBDC 2024 "State Star" award for New York. This recognition highlights Smith's exemplary performance and significant contributions to the SBDC program and small business community.

State Stars from across the country will be celebrated at an invitation-only event on September 10, 2024, during the America's SBDC Annual Conference in Atlanta.

Since rejoining the Stony Brook SBDC team in 2020, Smith has assisted 467 SBDC clients, helping them secure over $61.5 million in loans, grants, and other financing and save or create 2,404 jobs. Her expertise in credit underwriting, risk assessment, and financial analysis has been instrumental in guiding business owners to secure funding and grow their operations.

Smith initiated and chairs the NYSBDC Lender Relations Committee, coordinating webinars for network staff and working with the State Director to explore partnerships for improved access to capital.

Sonya Smith, NYSBDC State Director, stated, "Willa consistently enhances processes at her center and throughout the network. Her commitment to supporting small businesses makes her a remarkable asset to our team."

Willa Smith commented, "I'm honored to receive this recognition. My passion is empowering small business owners and contributing to their success. This award reflects the collective efforts of our entire SBDC team and the resilience of the entrepreneurs we serve."

Smith's background includes experience as an NYSBDC Advanced Certified Small Business Advisor, Training Manager, Regional Sales Manager in Residential Lending, and Regional Credit Officer for Citi's Small Business segment. She holds a Master's in Professional Studies with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Stony Brook University and has taught the "Entrepreneurship" course there as an adjunct professor.

The 2024 State Star Award reaffirms Willa Smith's outstanding contributions to New York's small business community and her commitment to excellence in her role at the NYSBDC.

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About the NYBDC:

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC), celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, has been a cornerstone of business development in New York State, assisting over 582,000 businesses and contributing significantly to the state's economic vitality.

Administered by the State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses, the NYSBDC operates through 20 campus-based regional centers and numerous outreach offices. Committed to empowering a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including those in underserved communities, the NYSBDC leverages university, private sector, and government resources to provide vital business advisement, education, and research. With expertise in international business development, cybersecurity, government contracting, and disaster preparedness, the NYSBDC is dedicated to helping NYS entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed in a dynamic economic landscape. Learn more at nysbdc.org.