The New York SBDC Mourns the Passing of Founding Director Jim King

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Contact: Kevin McGoldrick; communications@nysbdc.org, (800) 732-7232

Beloved mentor, tireless advocate, and builder of one of New York’s greatest economic development legacies.

Albany, NY – The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) network is sad to announce the passing of its founding director, Jim King, a widely respected leader whose vision, dedication, and decades of service helped build one of the most impactful small business support networks in the country.

“Jim King was one of my first friends and mentors when I came on board at the association,” said Tee Rowe, President and CEO of America’s SBDC. “His warm sense of humor, his ability to cut to the heart of the matter, and his willingness to help me learn and get my bearings at America’s SBDC were just the right touch. I think that sums up Jim’s legacy throughout his time with SBDCs—he had just the right touch. He knew what to say and what was most important to guide us, whether at the association or in the NYSBDC.”

King worked with SUNY and other statewide partners to found the NYSBDC program in 1984 and served as its State Director for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the network expanded into a statewide system of 24 regional centers and more than 70 outreach locations, providing one-on-one business advisement and support to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs each year. Always innovating and pushing the bar, King transcended his role and built something far greater than a program – he built something that has endured.

“He was a truly transformational leader who built one of the state’s most enduring and impactful economic development programs. We are committed to carrying his vision forward,” said Sonya Smith, New York State Director of the Small Business Development Center network.

Throughout his career, King worked closely with legislators, economic development agencies, higher education leaders, and the U.S. Small Business Administration to secure long-term support for the program. He guided the NYSBDC and New York’s Small Businesses through some of the most difficult moments in New York’s economic history, including the recovery efforts following 9/11, the Great Recession, and Hurricane Sandy. He understood that small businesses were not just economic engines—they were people, families, and communities—and he ensured they received the support they needed to recover and thrive.

“SUNY joins with the New York SBDC network in mourning the passing of Jim King. Jim was a visionary leader who helped build one of the most impactful small business support systems in the nation,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “Under his leadership, the SBDC worked closely with SUNY and partners across the state to help empower entrepreneurs and support small business enterprises. Jim’s legacy lives on in the thousands of businesses and communities strengthened by the work he set in motion.”

Always an innovator, King pushed the boundaries of what small business assistance could look like. He encouraged programmatic ambition alongside fiscal discipline, championed all communities across the state, and mentored generations of SBDC staff. Though he retired in 2016, his influence continues to shape the program’s direction and values.

In 2024, King recorded a rare interview reflecting on the program’s origins, evolution, and impact. In it, he reflected on his role in starting up the organization from scratch, which many start-up founders can relate to: “Sometimes it was just so crazy, it was fun.”

Additional Reflections from Members of the SBDC Network

Christian Conroy, former America’s SBDC Director of Strategic Initiatives, said, “Jim was a tremendous colleague and mentor to me, and an extraordinary leader whose vision and dedication transformed the New York SBDC into a national model. His work touched the lives of thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners—not only in New York, but across the country.

Through his passion, creativity, and persistence, Jim built one of the largest and most impactful SBDC programs in the nation. He was a tireless advocate for small business, a trusted partner to many, and a generous mentor who always made time for others.

Jim’s legacy will endure in the businesses he helped launch, the communities he strengthened, and the people he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”

Brian Goldstein, former NYSBDC State Director, said, “Jim was the greatest State Director the program ever had. He grew the program to the level that made it the best SBDC in the country. I was honored by his trust in me to keep the program going in the same manner he did. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.”

Clarence Stanley, former Bronx SBDC Director, said, “Jim King was a true leader—most knowledgeable, caring, compassionate—and he truly made a difference. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him.”

Susan McCartney, Buffalo SBDC Director, said, “I am very fortunate to have worked with Jim King since the inception of the New York State SBDC program. He instilled in us the importance of being extremely judicious with funding while remaining programmatically ambitious. He was our champion and advocate.”

Mary Hoffman, former NYSBDC Associate State Director, said, “Jim led the SBDC team with wisdom, compassion, and humor. His dedication to nurturing entrepreneurs and their dreams was inspirational.”