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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the South Dakota SBDC has served its communities.
Randy Gruenwald, South Dakota SBA Small Business Person of the Year
Randy Gruenwald bought a meat locker in Clark, SD in 2009 and expanded it into a meat-retailing and restaurant operation called Dakota Butcher. The company has since grown to five locations in eastern South Dakota and employs 70 people. Belinda Engelhart, Regional Director of the Watertown, SD SBDC provided assistance to Randy as the company started and grew to what it has become today.
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Years Dona Leavens, Regional Director Rapid City, SD SBDC, has served on the Lakota Funds Board.
Our value to aspiring early-stage startups and growth-stage small businesses increases through the proximity of partners such as the SBDC, who co-locate at our facility.
Brienne Maner, Executive Director, Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, Sioux Falls, SD
Rock's service level in his current situation and during a time of our country's very vulnerable environment is unbelievable! I just can't say enough about Rock and the service provided through the SD International Trade Center!
Doug Hendriks, Block 20, Inc. — Canton, SD
BIG IDEA — High School Business Idea Competition
Coordinated by the Aberdeen, SD SBDC, the competition took on a new look in 2020 by going virtual!
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Increase in the number of SBIR awards in South Dakota in 2020
Business Implications of COVID-19 Conference
Pictured are U.S. Senator John Thune, Jaime Wood, SD SBA District Director, Mark Slade, SD SBDC State Director, Sheila Gestring, President, University of South Dakota, Venky Venkatachalam, Dean, Beacom School of Business, University of South Dakota. Event held in October to discuss the changes in industry and the economy due to COVID-19.
Hartford Building Center undergoes large expansion
Lisa Hellvig and her son Travis, from Hartford, SD, worked with Mark Slade, State Director, SD SBDC who assisted them in acquiring the business and to further grow the company with their recent expansion.