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 Recognizes Small Business Development Center for Excellence
Texas recently celebrated its small business landscape, acknowledging the impactful contributions of its local businesses, including the recognition of the Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center (ASU SBDC). The ASU SBDC was awarded the prestigious 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award during a ceremony held on May 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This award, presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), highlights the center’s significant contributions to local economic growth, job creation, and support for entrepreneurs.
The ASU SBDC has established itself as a leader in fostering small business success since its opening in 1990. For the fiscal year 2024, the center assisted in the startup and expansion of 76 small businesses through its advisory services. It hosted 113 training events and seminars, engaging over 1,900 attendees and playing a crucial role in the local economy.
In total, these initiatives helped in creating and retaining over 390 jobs and contributed more than $6.75 million into the regional economy, further emphasizing the center’s impact on the community.
Local Small Businesses Take Center Stage
Texas is home to more than 3 million small businesses, which constitute nearly half of the state’s workforce. Among these enterprises is Premiere Re-Builders, a local San Angelo business, which participated in the Texas Small Business Week celebrations. The owner of Premiere Re-Builders noted the familial atmosphere among local businesses, which fosters a high level of customer service and community support.
During the recognition ceremony, the ASU SBDC’s director highlighted the center’s excellence in various operational areas, leading to its award as the first Texas entity to achieve this honor. In addition to its advisory services, the center has played a critical role in enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem within San Angelo and the surrounding Concho Valley.
A Hub of Entrepreneurial Growth
The ASU SBDC operates with a dedicated team consisting of five staff members and three ASU graduate students. The center provides expertise in various business aspects, including planning, financing, marketing, and management. Located in the downtown Business Resource Center, the ASU SBDC is part of the Texas South-West SBDC Network, allowing it to extend its services effectively.
The internship program at the SBDC not only benefits small businesses in the area but also provides ASU graduate business students with invaluable practical experience in a real-world setting. Each year, the SBDC hosts the BizPitch entrepreneurship contest, encouraging students from all academic majors to present their business ideas for a chance to win substantial funding.
Conclusion
The recognition of the ASU SBDC during Texas Small Business Week underscores the importance of small businesses in the state’s economy and highlights the contributions of support organizations. Such awards celebrate both the growth and resilience of small enterprises, promoting an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.
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
