Sonya smith kutztown university

12 | INNOVISION MAGAZ INE SPRING 2021 | 13 The Penns y l van i a Sma l l Bus i ne s s Development Center (PASBDC) announced John Stetler as the new director of Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KUSBDC) on September 14th.

“With John’s background with program and staff development, also proposal and audit experience, the center is excited to bring him on board to continue to support the five-county region KUSBDC serves,” said Sonya Smith, Associate State Director of the PASBDC. Additionally, Stetler will consult aspiring start-ups, growth companies and businesses looking for disaster recovery within the Kutztown SBDC’s region.

“With John’s background with program and staff development, also proposal and audit experience, the center is excited to bring him on board to continue to support the five-county region KUSBDC serves,” said Sonya Smith, Associate State Director of the PASBDC.

Previously held positions include Director of Business Operations for a private engineering firm with projects throughout the U.S.

and Manager of budget and entrepreneurship programs for Montgomery County Community College’s workforce development and continuing education departments.

About the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (PASBDC)

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) supports the economic development of Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with individual consultations, comprehensive education, and information necessary to help their businesses start, grow, and prosper.

She worked directly with small business owners at the SBDC, developing their portfolios and determining where there was room for growth. These disadvantages lead minority business to remain a small micro-enterprise. Consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-on-one sessions to help themwith issues including new business development, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more.

I had been in their shoes, balancing class and being in the workforce.

Stetler will succeed Sonya Smith, who has been serving as center director and associate state director for over two years. Additionally, Stetler will consult aspiring start-ups, growth companies and businesses looking for disaster recovery within the KUSBDC’s region. For anyone interested in obtaining their MBA, she has some advice: “Try to connect with your classmates and establish relationships,” she says.

Previously, Customers Bank supported KUSBDC and the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center by providing a $52,500 cash match to help seven graduate student stipends at $7,500 per student, per year. “I’m excited to be a part of the KUSBDC to continue to provide services to the community and help entrepreneurs start, grow, and prosper their businesses and achieve their dreams.

The SBDC/KIP provides entrepreneurs with a safe, regulated space in Reading to create their products. The KUSBDC is one of 16 centers in Pennsylvania and serves small businesses and entrepreneurs in Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties. Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender. Also, Stetler worked in management, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, project change management, and business operations.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Kutztown University SBDC to continue to provide services to the community and help entrepreneurs start, grow, and prosper their businesses and achieve their dreams.

“That was an entirely new experience. We are happy to support KUSBDC, because we know firsthand the high quality of services KUSBDC provides its clients."

Customers Bank has a strong record of supporting its community and regional organizations. In the future, she imagines pivoting from helping small business owners to becoming one – she hopes to start a business with her father, and also pursue her own dream of launching a company that specializes in maternity fitness.

COVID-19 OUTREACH January 1, 2020–June 30, 2020 Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan $17,007,262.99 $27,482,008.76 $14,088,000.27 $46,908,249.51 $50,337,715.25 $17,156,067.98 GRAND TOTAL $172,979,304.76 Capital Formation by Month 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Real Estate, Rental and Leasing Educational Services Arts and Entertainment Construction Health Care and Social Assistance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Accommodation and Food Services Manufacturer or Producer Retail Trade Service Establishment Client Count For the Top 10 Industry Sectors Served 987 645 605 406 382 360 354 203 170 133 For the period January 1–June 30, 2020, the PASBDC… Provided Business Consulting To 3,123 Nascent Entrepreneurs Helped 458 Entrepreneurs Start a Business Provided Business Consulting To 5,140 Established Businesses

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22 TOWER | FALL 2022 Sonya Smith M’12 is the SUNY state director of the New York Small Business Development Centers.

It’s a great feeling to give back to the community,” said Stetler.

In his new role, Stetler has primary responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funded programs of the KUSBDC.