PCC small business advisers win SBDC awards for their dedication and service
Photos and story by James Hill
The Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network announced that Sean Harry, senior business adviser at the PCC’s SBDC, has been named as America’s SBDC 2024 State Star for Oregon, and Kayla Banda, business adviser and marketing coordinator for PCC, has been chosen as a 2024 America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award winner.
Sean Harry.
The SBDC State Star Award is the highest recognition for individual achievement within the America’s SBDC Network. State Stars are chosen by their SBDC Networks and are among the best of the best — those who demonstrate exemplary performance, make significant contributions to their Networks, and are committed to the success of America’s small businesses.
Over the past 13 years, Harry has served small businesses in Oregon through advising and training. His contributions include support to colleagues across the Oregon SBDC Network. Harry has also built partnerships with other technical assistance providers and economic development partners across the state of Oregon.
“Sean Harry is one of the best examples of what a senior SBDC business adviser represents,” said Oregon SBDC Network State Director Mark Gregory. “His work in Oregon to support and lead statewide projects, assist both clients and ecosystem partners in utilizing SBDC programs and resources has been incredible over his years of serving Oregon’s small businesses. Sean’s love of public service, selflessness, and desire to improve small business across Oregon is something we celebrate as part of his selection as Oregon’s 2024 SBDC State Star.”
For the 2024 America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award, Banda is among 40 people across the country who were awarded for their part in are fostering a spirit of innovation and driving success for small businesses.
Kayla Banda.
Banda serves not only as a business adviser but also as training program facilitator. She said she is driven by a love for creative entrepreneurship, joining the Nevada SBDC Network in 2017 before bringing her talents to the Oregon SBDC Network in 2022. In Oregon, Banda has used her marketing skills to aid small businesses in recovery from COVID-19 and to foster new growth.
“Kayla Banda’s contributions came at a time when our small businesses needed to access SBDC resources the most,” Gregory said. “We celebrate Kayla’s 2024 national recognition as one of America’s SBDC 40 under 40 award winners. Her work to support the Portland SBDC through business advising and instruction, while broadly marketing the SBDC’s services is a testament to her accomplishments.”
PCC’s SBDC has helped thousands of business owners in Portland over the last four decades. The center combines one-on-one business advising with training programs taught by business experts, giving small business clients the resources they need to grow.
For more information about PCC’s SBDC, check out www.pcc.edu/professional/small-business/
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »