East Hartford, CT; October 2, 2020 – Since the start of the pandemic in mid-March Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) staff have logged over 4,400 hours advising clients and helping them keep their business operational by assisting with emergency loan and grant applications, and by offering management guidance from cash flow to financial projections. Although the whole staff has worked tirelessly, the efforts Valeria Bisceglia put forth were recognized by her colleagues as going above and beyond the call of duty, thus she has been named the 2020 CTSBDC State Star.
“Valeria took on the task of mastering the intricacies of all of the federal and state assistance programs and shared her expertise in a thoughtful and kind way to our team and our clients,” shared one of Valeria’s teammates.
Each year, America’s Small Business Development Center holds the State Star competition so each SBDC may recognize the hard work and commitment of their staff. The State Star is someone who is an exemplary performer with demonstrated economic impact, has been a significant contributor to the CTSBDC program, and demonstrates a strong commitment to small business.
Valeria has been exemplified all of these traits throughout her time at CTSBDC, but particularly in the last 6 months. She has relentlessly reviewed the ever-changing guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan and has led the effort to make sure CTSBDC is recognized as a go-to resource for small businesses looking for help on these topics. She developed the COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center and continues to help ensure it has the most up-to-date information.
“Valeria’s day-to-day contribution, commitment and passion with her role at CTSBDC demonstrates her commitment to the programs and helping all small businesses throughout the state of Connecticut,” offered another colleague.
Since the middle of March, (CTSBDC) has served over 4,781 individuals, supported 209,772 jobs, and assisted 924 businesses in applying for loans and grants totaling $35,547,445.
About the Connecticut Small Business Development Center
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) provides business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow, and thrive in Connecticut. Our professional staff of 18 Business Advisors offers no-cost confidential and expert business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
From the entrepreneur looking for business plan assistance to the experienced business owner looking to pivot their business, CTSBDC Business Advisors have the expertise you can count on.
Our business advising includes not only an assessment of your business plan but access to resources to grow your business: Tools such as geographic-based demographics, consumer spending data, market research, financial projections, industry reports, and more. Through our connections with various traditional and non-traditional lending institutions, we help business owners get access to capital when it is needed most.
CTSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and the University of Connecticut School of Business.