Trinity Valley Named SBDC of the Year for Exemplary Performance

The Trinity Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently received the SBDC of the Year Award for delivering outstanding results and positively impacting the local community. The organization reached 147% of its goal for clients served and 105% of its business start goal. This recognition underscores the organization’s deep commitment to helping small businesses in East Texas thrive.

“We couldn’t have reached our goals by ourselves,” says Jennifer Johnston, Director of the Trinity Valley SBDC. “It’s the success of the businesses, and the referrals we receive from the collaboration of local Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations, lenders, community organizations or other clients who refer entrepreneurs to us.”  

The Trinity Valley SBDC is committed to helping local entrepreneurs get started while guiding business owners through various phases and challenges. It serves a five-county area of Trinity Valley Community College, including Anderson County, home of Palestine, Texas.

Learn why this SBDC stands out as a leader and how it provides value to the people of Palestine. This region is growing because of Johnston and her team. 

The SBDC Brings Education and Training Courses to Palestine

Operating out of Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC), the SBDC shares business resources, learning opportunities, and training programs with local business owners. Its training calendar includes free virtual resources along with in-person development opportunities.  

The SBDC also works closely with local economic development organizations, including the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC), to bring courses and education events to communities. Last year, for example, Palestine business owners learned how to use AI to streamline their marketing efforts through a seminar by Marsha Lynn Hudson, known as the “Queen of Online Marketing.”

“The TVCC campus offers a number of courses for students or specific to industry,” says Johnston. “There are many opportunities between TVCC, SBDC, North Texas SBDC, and SBA to support local business owners. Trinity Valley SBDC reports directly to Rich Crosby, Associate Vice President of Corporate Training.  TVCC Corporate Training designs custom content for local industry needs, while the SBDC focuses on one-on-one business advising and offers workshops on general business topics such as marketing, business financing, or accounting tools.”

The Trinity Valley SBDC team includes Kris Midthun, Miranda Perry, and Jennifer Johnston, with plans to add another full-time business advisor to serve the region.

Business Owners Can Find Programming Related to Their Needs

One reason the SBDC offers such diverse resources and learning opportunities is to support entrepreneurs of all industries. Each business owner has unique organizational needs and knowledge gaps that affect their decisions. The SBDC provides as many options as possible to help business owners develop tools to overcome their current (or future) problems. A few popular topics include:

• Marketing and advertising 
• Business plans
• Financing
• Money management
• Accounting tools
• Government Contracting  
• Business succession planning
• Streamlining operations 
• Embracing technology like AI

What is essential to one business owner might not be relevant to another. For example, the SBDC is currently sharing grant and loan opportunities for veteran business owners. These programs are invaluable for entrepreneurs who have served their country and are now opening businesses in the region.  

“The SBDC works to stay current on new programs that can help entrepreneurs,” said Johnston. “Currently, there’s a manufacturing loan program and onshoring initiative aligned with the President’s priorities. Tariffs have also been affecting some of our small business owners.” 
The SBDC Believes There’s Never a Bad Time to Support Local
There’s always a big push to support local businesses in November as the holiday shopping season ramps up, but Johnston says there’s never a bad time to shop local in Palestine. Business owners need support year-round, and every purchase makes a difference in the local economy.

“The SBDC does an excellent job of sharing resources with business owners and offering guidance on various programs available to them, but every resident can support entrepreneurs,” says Christophe Trahan, Economic Development Director for PEDC. “From working with a local printing company to buying a donut from a nearby shop, Palestine residents shape the community they want to see.”

Johnston adds that she is seeing more gig workers entering the economy. Many business owners start as sole proprietors or contractors before expanding into job creators. This can be beneficial as they test the market and refine their business concept before taking on higher overhead costs. “Overall,” she says, “we need to build sustainable business growth for Palestine and the people who live here.”

“A lot of things are happening in Palestine,” said Johnston. “I’m excited to visit each week and help entrepreneurs and business owners.  There has been so new businesses come to the area. The Palestine EDC office has provided collaborative support for local business growth - whether partnering on an educational workshop or the incentive programs for businesses.” 

Discover Other Resources for Businesses in Palestine

PEDC works closely with Trinity Valley SBDC to share resources with local entrepreneurs and business owners. It also curates other learning opportunities and tools throughout the year. Explore PEDC’s business resources and assistance opportunities. From downtown improvement grants to vacant commercial properties, you can find what you need.

Contact PEDC today to learn about available business support, or connect with the Trinity Valley SBDC. Together, we’re helping Palestine business owners thrive.