MI-SBDC Promotes Joshua Billington to Assistant State Director, Strategic Innovation
Position will bring enhanced next gen tools to Michigan small businesses
Joshua Billington, Assistant State Director, Strategic Innovation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Kooienga
Director, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 616.331.7489
Email: kooiengn@gvsu.edu
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (MARCH 31) – The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced the promotion of Joshua Billington, CGBP, MBA to the position of Assistant State Director, Strategic Innovation. Billington’s new role includes oversight of strategic SBDC programs including client training and asynchronous education, cybersecurity awareness, export assistance and market research services.
“The SBDC’s mission is to help small businesses succeed, and Joshua’s new role is pivotal in ensuring that we deliver on that promise,” said J.D. Collins, State Director of Michigan SBDC.
“We need to find innovative ways to reach more clients more efficiently and effectively, and Joshua’s most recent experience responding to the changing needs of small businesses during the pandemic makes him a perfect fit.”
The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Mr. Billington, a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, was promoted to this role after serving as Statewide Disaster Response Manager since the onset of COVID-19, and after serving six years as a Senior Business Consultant with the Upper Peninsula Region for Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce Counties. He will continue to work remotely from the U.P. in his new role. Mr. Billington was the 2020 State Star, the SBDC’s highest national honor.
Mr. Billington’s position will support Michiganders looking to start or grow a business by connecting them to free export services, market research, cybersecurity resources, business education and more offered through the Michigan SBDC.
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About the Michigan SBDC
The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Michigan SBDC services are available through the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The Michigan SBDC is committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest Michigan SBDC by visiting www.michigansbdc.org.