Ann Swanson named regional director of the Idaho State University Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Pocatello has a new director. Ann Swanson is the new leader of the Region V SBDC in the Idaho State University College of Business.

Region V covers Bannock, Power, Bingham, Oneida, Franklin, Caribou and Bear Lake counties and is part of a state-wide SBDC network.

The SBDC offers no-cost business consulting, low-cost training, research and product development to any new or existing small business. Last year, Region V helped start 13 new business and create 129 new jobs. Idaho SBDC clients consistently outperform their peers in capital formation and sales growth.

Swanson has been a consultant for the SBDC for the past three years and the interim director since July of 2014. As the director, Swanson will oversee the SBDC’s mission to promote small business starts and growth in the region.

“I am glad to step into the director role here at the SBDC. We have a great statewide network with so many resources for small businesses. My goal is to increase client access to these resources and help them expand and grow,” said Swanson.

She also commented on the importance of community partnerships.

“I am grateful for the support the SBDC has had from the College of Business, local Chambers, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Labor, the Shoshone Bannock tribes and other economic development services. I look forward to growing these partnerships,” she said.
Swanson grew up in Pocatello and since her return in 2006 her career has included being the marketing director at Portneuf Medical Center and marketing director at the College of Business. She is also fluent in Spanish and offers business consulting to Spanish.

“I have no doubt that Ann will do an outstanding job in this increasingly critical economic development role. The SBDC is an integral part of our (College of Business) mission to encourage and support local economic growth.” said Idaho State University College of Business Dean, Tom Ottaway.