In the first two years of the Biden Administration, a record 10.5 million Americans applied to start a business, and many did it alongside SBA resource partners. To honor the work of these partners, the SBA recently announced four as the resource partners of the year.

SBA Administrator Isabel Guzmán noted:

Congratulations to all the honorees for your achievements, and thank you for your work uplifting our Nation's veterans, women entrepreneurs, and all of America's 33 million small businesses.

SBA Resource Partners, funded in part by the SBA, offer America's small businesses technical assistance, training, and access to capital. The annual award from the SBA recognizes impact on local economic growth, job creation, and support for newer entrepreneurs.

The winners

“The Resource Partner of the Year awards recognize organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of countless small business owners — connecting them with tools and resources and empowering them with the strength of their networks and their expertise,” said Guzmán.

This year's winners will be honored at a ceremony during National Small Business Week, from April 30 to May 6, 2023.

SCORE Chapter of the Year

Broward County Chapter (SCORE) — George Gremse, Chapter Chairman, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Through its dedicated network of 75 volunteers, SCORE Broward offers free and confidential mentoring, business training, and resources to anyone looking to start, grow or exit a small business. Last year, its efforts created 419 new businesses and 1,773 jobs across Florida's Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Broward County communities.

Women's Business Center of the Year

San Diego and Imperial Women's Business Center (WBC) — Katy Ibarra, Director, San Diego, California

Katy Ibarra is the Director of the San Diego and Imperial Women's Business Center. Under her leadership, the San Diego and Imperial Women's Business Center has created more than 130 businesses, helped businesses access $3 million in capital, and served more than 3,000 unique clients. 

Congrats to @BrowardSCORE, @SanDiegoWBC, @floridasbdcn @fiubusiness, @businssimpactnw for being named Resource Partners of the Year! The awardees will be honored at a ceremony during #SmallBusinessWeek, April 30-May 6.

Learn more about the winners: https://t.co/diYJSp0r6U

— SBA (@SBAgov) April 10, 2023

Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award

Florida SBDC at Florida International University — Brian Van Hook, Regional Director, Miami, Florida 

The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida International University (FIU) provides high-quality services that allow the Miami-Dade area to remain competitive in attracting, growing, and retaining small businesses.   

Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award

Veterans Business Outreach Center at Business Impact Northwest — Steve Watts-Oelrich, VBOC Director, Tukwila, Washington

Business Impact Northwest was founded in 1997 as the Seattle Economic Development Fund DBA Community Capital Development. It offers training opportunities, one-on-one coaching, referrals to resource partners, and networking events in Region X, encompassing the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

“We congratulate these tremendous SBA Resource Partner honorees, distinguished in service and impact to our small business owners from Washington state to California to Florida. As our small business owners across America continue to exhibit resilience and hope, our SBA Resource Partner network leverages the power of SBA tools and resources,” said Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development.