FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 15, 2024
Nancy Kooienga
Director, Marketing & Communications
Phone: 616.210.9596
Email: kooiengn@gvsu.edu
Michigan Small Business Development Center Names Jeanne LaSargeBono Director of Finance & Grants
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC) recently named Jeanne LaSargeBono to the position of Director of Finance & Grants.
In her expanded role, LaSargeBono is responsible for the financial operations of the SBDC and strategic input as a member of the executive team. She will manage grants and compliance, financial reporting of regions, funds that provide grants to business accelerators and small businesses, and events. LaSargeBono will partner closely with statewide host institution Grand Valley State University.
“Jeanne has shown a financial discipline that ensures small businesses receive the support services they need,” said Michigan SBDC CEO and Executive Director J.D. Collins. “Jeanne also demonstrated an extremely high level of collaboration with SBA and MEDC, to whom we are required to provide regular reporting.”
LaSargeBono responded, “I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible team of like-minded professionals who are committed to help make Michigan small businesses succeed. My job is to empower our consultants with the financial resources they need to focus on our clients.”
LaSargeBono joined the Michigan SBDC in 2021. Prior to the Michigan SBDC, she was the executive director of the Greater Grand Rapids American Heart Association | American Stroke Association.
The Michigan SBDC provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Michiganders looking to start or grow a business can connect to free export services, market research, cybersecurity resources and business education through the Michigan SBDC.
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About the Michigan Small Business Development Center
The Michigan Small Business Development Center’s mission is to provide 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 office by visiting michigansbdc.org.
The Michigan SBDC is hosted on a state level by Grand Valley State University. Regional hosts include Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Mid Michigan College, Michigan Technological University, Kettering University, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and Lansing Community College.