On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Executive Director of LSC's Small Business Development Center, Miguel Lopez spoke to the members of the Magnolia Rotary Club about what his group does. Pictured above from left to right are Miguel Lopez and President of the Magnolia Rotary Club, Hope Moye.
Hope Moye read a little of Miguel Lopez's bio stating that he was born in Mexico and joined the United States Marines in 1986 and served until 1990 after which he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He is a graduate of Sam Houston University and is currently working for Lone Star College (LSC) as the Executive Director of LSC's Small Business Development Center.
Miguel explained that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of the Division of Strategic Priorities which as a LSC Division, has the purpose of raising awareness about the transformational impact LSC has on the individuals and community it serves and further ensures that everyone has access to the opportunities provided by LSC. The LSC-SBDC is one of 14 centers within the Texas Gulf Coast Network. Their Network HQs are located at the University of Houston (UH), UH-SBDC. UH and LSC have partnered since November 1985 via a federal grant. The LSC-SBDC provides one-on-one, confidential, no-cost business advising to small businesses. Miguel pointed out that the U.S. SBA defines a small business as any business with less than 500 employees. However, most of the small businesses his group deals with are in the 50 or less employees category.
Miguel listed the LSC SBDC services as:
- Growth Strategies
- Business Plan Analysis and Review
- Improving Bottom Line Performance
- Problem Solving / Decision Making
- How to Finance Your Business (The LSC-SBDC does not make any loans but will help a business get U. S. SBA guaranteed loans).
- Marketing Plan Development.
Miguel also pointed out some of the LSC-SBDC Resources & Partnerships as follows:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) and America Small Business Development Center (ASBDC)
- University of Houston
- Area Chambers & EDPs / EDCs
- North Houston EDC at Lone Star College
- Different Departments at LSC Campuses & Centers
- Banks, Accounting Firms, Business Attorneys, Marketing & PR Firms and More
Miguel then told everyone about the individuals who make up his five member team:
- Miguel Lopez, Executive Director of LSC's SBDC
- Karen Sharp, Business Advisor
- Steve Hamilton, Business Advisor
- Migdalia Gomez, Business Advisor
- Judith Granata, Program Coordinator
For more information, you can contact Miguel Lopez at:
Email: miguel.lopez@lonestart.edu
Office: 832-813-6621
