The Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced plans to restructure the organization to create Western, Central and Eastern Regions for its coverage area.
“When you think of Longwood SBDC, you probably think of us as being local to this region — and we are,” Longwood SBDC Executive Director Sheri McGuire said. “What you don’t realize is that our service region spans 25 localities from Patrick County in the west to Surry and Sussex in the east.
“We are a partnership program between Longwood University and our local governments and economic developers, and we have the pleasure of serving over 500 potential and existing small business owners per year throughout this large region,” McGuire continued.
The restructuring plan will divide the Longwood SBDC’s 25 localities into three regions. Lin Hite, currently South Boston director, will direct the Western Region overseeing consultants and providing new and existing business consultations and retail consulting. Three consultants, Michael Duncan, Kelvin Perry and Vaughan & Associates, will work with Hite.
Consultants will provide their own expertise to new and existing clients. Duncan will serve as entrepreneur and lead consultant for existing businesses. Perry, a former bank president, will be lead consultant for new business starts and new business training. Vaughan & Associates will offer specialized consulting including human resources, operations and strategy and policy for potential high growth companies.
“One regional director and consultants instead of three independent general directors allows resources to be allocated to business clients in a customized team approach,” McGuire said.
The Longwood SBDC lead office will remain in Farmville with Sheri McGuire as executive director. The Farmville office will continue to offer phone call screening and assignment, ongoing call management, course registration, dedicated research support for directors and consultants, and a training coordinator who assists with identifying opportunities to leverage specialized training.
Regular office hours and seminars are now being scheduled for Martinsville, Danville, Gretna, Stuart and Rocky Mount. To make an appointment or for more information on the services SBDC provides, contact the Longwood Small Business Development center at (434) 395-2086 or visit www.sbdc-longwood.com.
The Longwood Small Business Development Center provides free education, consulting, and economic research for potential and existing businesses throughout Southside Virginia. It is a non-profit organization funded through Longwood University, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local governments.
