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.
Excitement in San Angelo as Local Small Business Center Rises to National Recognition
In the heart of Texas, the Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is basking in the spotlight after being awarded the 2025 Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This honor coincides with Texas Small Business Week, a time when the state celebrates the significant role small businesses play in the economy.
Celebrating a thriving small business community
Texas is home to over 3 million small businesses, which account for nearly half of the state’s workforce. Among these businesses is Premiere Re-Builders, a San Angelo establishment that embodies the close-knit atmosphere fostered by local enterprises. The owner emphasizes the strong relationships among small businesses that enhance customer service and create a community spirit beyond financial transactions.
A Historic Achievement for ASU SBDC
The distinguished honor for the ASU SBDC was revealed during a special ceremony on May 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This award recognizes the center’s exceptional efforts in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and assisting new entrepreneurs. Notably, the ASU SBDC is the first center in Texas to receive this national distinction, setting a standard for excellence nationwide.
A Center of Excellence for Small Businesses
The ASU SBDC stands out due to its consistent performance and dedication to local businesses. In the fiscal year 2024, the center facilitated the startup and growth of 76 small businesses through personalized advisory services. This included hosting 113 training events and seminars which educated over 1,900 attendees. The impact of these programs resulted in the creation and retention of over 390 jobs and contributed more than $6.75 million to the regional economy.
A Hub of Support for Entrepreneurs
Since its inception in 1990, the ASU SBDC has played a vital role in promoting entrepreneurial growth in San Angelo and the surrounding Concho Valley. The center is operated by a dedicated team consisting of five staff members and three graduate students from ASU. The primary focus is to provide expertise in essential areas such as business planning, financing, marketing, and management.
Bridging Academia and Real-World Business
The SBDC’s unique approach combines academic learning with practical business experience. ASU graduate business students gain valuable skills through internships at the center. This arrangement benefits both the students’ professional development and provides local businesses with effective assistance from emerging business professionals.
A Competitive Edge with BizPitch
The SBDC also organizes an exciting annual BizPitch entrepreneurship contest, which invites students from various academic backgrounds to present their business ideas. This competition offers aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to win significant prize money, facilitating the realization of their dreams and encouraging innovation within the community.
In Conclusion: Celebrate Local Businesses!
This Texas Small Business Week presents an opportunity to acknowledge the substantial influence of centers like the ASU SBDC on local communities. Their steadfast commitment to nurturing small businesses, generating jobs, and driving economic growth underlines the reasons behind their latest accolade. Recognition is due to all small businesses in San Angelo and across Texas for their contributions to local economies.
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
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
