New York SBDC State Director Sonya Smith Elected to National Small Business Board

The New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) are proud to announce that New York SBDC State Director Sonya Smith has been elected to the Board of Directors for America’s SBDC (ASBDC), the governing body responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for the America’s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) network.

Board members are advocates for small business interests, ensuring that the resources and services provided by SBDCs remain effective, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the nation’s entrepreneurs.

As a board member, Smith will seek to ensure that the needs and challenges of New York’s small businesses are represented at the highest levels of national policy and program development. 

“We are grateful to have such dynamic and committed leaders join the board,” said America’s SBDC President and CEO Charles “Tee” Rowe. “Their collective vision will help strengthen America’s small business community and ensure that our support systems reflect the diverse needs of entrepreneurs.”

Smith emphasized her commitment to pushing for a stronger voice for New York’s small businesses and all small businesses across the country. “This is about more than just sitting at the table—it’s about using that seat to drive real, impactful change for the small business owners who form the backbone of our communities. I’m honored to represent New York and will work tirelessly to ensure our programs are inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking.”

Under Smith’s leadership, the New York SBDC has been at the forefront of creating innovative solutions for the evolving needs of entrepreneurs. Her appointment to the ASBDC Board reinforces the commitment of the NYSBDC to fight for the interests of New York’s small businesses and to advocate for policies that uplift and sustain the small business ecosystems across New York State.