YSU SBDC Wins ‘Excellence and Innovation Award’ from SBA
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The U.S. Small Business Administration has presented the Small Business Development Center at Youngstown State University with the Excellence and Innovation Award.
Last year, the office provided 7,035 hours of counseling to 279 clients. The work helped area businesses generate more than $96.87 million in sales, create 491 jobs and retain 1,496 jobs. In addition, the agency connect businesses to $17.51 million in capital.
“We are proud of the work our partners at the Youngstown Small Business Development Center are doing and the impact they are having in the Mahoning Valley” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, in a release. “Small businesses are the backbone of Ohio’s economy, and we are pleased with the exceptional work happening to help them grow.”
The honor comes in advance of Small Business Week, May 5 through 11. On May 5, YSU SBDC director Patricia Veisz will accept the award in Washington, D.C.
Also honored was Akron-based EarthQuaker Devices, recipient of the Exporter of the Year award. The company makes guitar-effect pedals and ships to 47 countries. Started in founder Jamie Stillman’s basement, EarthQuaker today employs 40 at a 15,000-square-foot building in Akron.
“SBA is honored to recognize these outstanding individuals and organizations.” said Gil Goldberg, SBA Cleveland District Director. “These two outstanding examples of perseverance, determination, innovation and entrepreneurship have brought good jobs to northern Ohio. Small businesses and small business champions are the backbone of our nation’s economy. National Small Business Week serves as the nation’s salute to all the small businesses and their entrepreneurial spirit.”
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
