The University of Alabama at Huntsville, part of the University of Alabama System, has announced that the American SBDC, the National Association of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in the United States, has named Michelle Kloske, Senior Business Advisor to the UAH SBDC, its 2022 State Star. announced that he had been selected. Recognized for her contributions in serving her small business community in Alabama. Kloske, along with her peers, received the honor at the National SBDC Conference in San Diego, California.
State Star Awards are presented annually to outstanding business advisors to each SBDC network. Criteria include demonstrating a strong commitment to small business success, making significant contributions to the state’s SBDC program, and being an exemplary performer.
“Michelle Croske embodies the UAH SBDC’s mission to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their businesses,” said Dean of the UAH College of Business. Jason Green said. “These small businesses are vital to the economic vitality of our community, and Michelle has worked tirelessly over the past few years to help them thrive in the face of hardship. A bright and shining star in our community, we are proud of Michelle and her dedication to our clients.
“Last week, I received a State Star award in recognition of my achievements at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the SBDC in the USA,” said the recipient. A wide variety of clients, from cottage bakers to engineers. We offer free advice and training services to help start and grow your business. Starting a business in Alabama can be confusing Yes, we work to help entrepreneurs reach their goals. I really love my job. “
Kloske graduated from UAH College of Business in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She is a Senior Business Advisor and Training Her Coordinator at UAH SBDC. Early in her pandemic, she was instrumental in transitioning her SBDC training program at her UAH SBDC to an online virtual format. This has enabled the center to offer high-quality online training programs to meet the demand of its large client base during difficult times.
“Early in the pandemic, out of necessity, we moved our training programs online. Since January 2021, the UAH SBDC has hosted 104 live webinars to educate small businesses across the state. “
Through SBDC events and one-on-one advisory meetings, alumni have advised nearly 600 unique clients over the past two years, helped launch more than 50 businesses, and participated in the Center’s How to Start a Business program every month. continue to promote.
Kloske has proven to be one of the state’s top performers in helping entrepreneurs start businesses in Alabama. She has helped secure key speakers and trainers for various programs made possible by the Supplemental Care Act funding. Her training and outreach efforts over the past year have enabled UAH SBDC to We were able to grow our base and increase our visibility in the small business community we serve.
(Left to right) SBDC Lieutenant State Director Mike Brooks, UAH Senior Business Advisor Michelle Croske, UAH Center Director Hilary Claiborne, and SBDC State Director Bill Cummins.
Courtesy Michelle Croske
Romach Technologies’ Jason Pohly said: “She is so helpful, encouraging and kind. We really appreciate her.”
Another local entrepreneur said: I am starting my first business and without her she would definitely be lost. “
Kloske is particularly focused on helping retail and hospitality clients and food and beverage clients, helping them navigate the complex nuances of these industries. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, she began her career as an accountant in her 8A program in Huntsville, specializing in payroll, tax and government reporting for defense contractors.
“Michelle is a great team member and community asset,” said UAH Center Director Hilary Claiborne. “If you ask, Michelle will deliver. If you need it, Michelle will volunteer. If you get lost, Michelle will solve it for you! I am a member.”
UAH has been part of the SBDC network since its inception in 1980. The network is a statewide program funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Provides free administrative and technical assistance to small businesses in all 67 Alabama counties.
Alabama SBDC aims to unlock the potential of any business by providing business expertise typically reserved for large, established companies. Business advisors provide guidance to the state’s small business community on growing or starting a business, accessing capital, selling to the federal government, or investigating international trade.
Over the past five years, Alabama SBDC has helped start more than 1,100 businesses and facilitated over $520 million in capital for small business growth (and recovery), resulting in over 4,500 investments by Alabama SBDC clients. more new jobs have been created. The UAH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) serves seven of his counties in northeastern Alabama and is affiliated with the local Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce It’s in place. For more information, please contact the Alabama SBDC at the University of Alabama in Huntsville at [email protected] or uah.edu/sbdc or visit ASBDC.org/UAH.