Montana SBDC Regional Director Honored for Excellence
HELENA - The Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, headquartered at the Montana Department of Commerce, announced today SBDC Regional Director Lorene Hintz was named the 2022 Montana “State Star,” a national honor that recognizes outstanding performers from SBDCs around the country.“New businesses and business expansion are at the core of growing Montana’s economy. For someone looking to start or expand a business, the SBDC network is the best place to start,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “Lorene’s exemplary work in south central Montana is an asset to our business community, and our SBDCs are lucky to benefit from Lorene’s extensive experience and dedicated leadership.”
Lorene and her team of SBDC Business Advisors, hosted by Big Sky Economic Development, provide confidential one-on-one consulting and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners across a nine-county region. Lorene joined the SBDC in 2005. In her tenure, she has counseled more than 1,400 clients; trained more than 2,680 entrepreneurs and small business owners; supported over 1,760 jobs; and helped clients secure in excess of $56,000,000 in funding.
State Star recipients are recognized for their exemplary performance, significant contributions to the SBDC program, and a strong commitment to small businesses.
“Lorene goes above and beyond for small businesses across her region,” said Montana SDBC State Director Chad Moore. “Small business owners thrive under her consulting; this is well-deserved recognition.”
In 2021, Lorene provided opportunities for small businesses as the point person for the BSTF Job Creation grant program in her region. She was instrumental in developing the “Edge of the Plains Small Business Educational Tour” held in Harlowton, Big Timber, Hardin, Red Lodge, and Billings. The event, which attracted more than 360 business owners and entrepreneurs, featured small business owners from across the region who inspired attendees to explore opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thank you to the SBDC network and Big Sky economic development teams for nominating me for the State Star Award. I am humbled to receive this national honor,” Lorene Hintz said. “I am fortunate to have a job that I love, a team of experts to work with, and a passion for helping others succeed. I am grateful for the SBDC leadership and this opportunity to represent our state at the national State Star event this fall.”
Lorene will be honored in September at the annual American SBDC Conference in San Diego.
The SBDC network is comprised of ten statewide regional SBDC offices overseen by the Lead Center at the Montana Department of Commerce in Helena. The SBDC program is funded under a Cooperative Agreement between the Montana Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration, in partnership with local host organizations. For more information, visit SBDC.MT.GOV.
Tags: Montana Small Business Development Centers