Deb McGregor ’90, a marketing consultant with the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by Concordia College, has been named the 2021 State Star for the Minnesota SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance.
Small business clients receive no-cost business consulting services from the SBDC. The SBDC receives its funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and regional grants/donations.
Though the SBDC has an office in the Grant Center on campus, McGregor works out of Bemidji, Minn., and assists small business clients with their marketing strategies. She’ll represent the Minnesota SBDC at the national ASBDC Convention to be held in September.
“I am humbled to have been nominated to receive the Minnesota State Star Award for 2021,” McGregor said. “It is an honor and privilege to work with entrepreneurs as they take their business dreams and make them a reality. The resilience and tenacity I have witnessed over the past 18 months has been phenomenal.”
The State Star award is the highest accolade achievable by SBDC employees and recognizes those who have made strong contributions to their state network. Annually, SBDCs from every state in the U.S. select one employee for the award.
“It is an honor to recognize Deb with our Minnesota State Star,” said Bruce Strong, state director of the Minnesota SBDC. “Deb is known for her optimism and her continuously upbeat outlook that is appreciated by many of our clients.”
McGregor created the “Re-energizing Business Series,” a marketing campaign that reminds clients of all that the SBDC has to offer. She also teaches classes and webinars sharing her insights on utilizing social media, branding, communications, and dealing with challenges. She also owns two small businesses and maintains life coaching CPCC and CNTC certifications.
"My education at Concordia College helped prepare me to adapt and stay creative in all situations,” McGregor said. “I have used these skills many times in my work with clients who own small businesses.”