Southwest Region
Western Michigan University
Serving Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties
Western Michigan University
262 W. Walwood Hall
741 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008
Bonnie Gabriel, Regional Director
Email: sbdc-kzoo@wmich.edu
Phone: 269.387.6004
Hours: 8am-5pm ET Monday-Friday
Your business journey starts here.
Your business journey starts here. Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing your company, or navigating challenges, we’re here to help. Our expert team provides no-cost consulting, market research, business education, and the resources you need to succeed.
Serving small businesses across the Southwest Region, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you build strong, resilient businesses. Let’s take your next step—together.
Ready to get started? Connect with us today!
Southwest Michigan Team
Our team of passionate business consultants, also known as Team Awesome, is here to empower entrepreneurs with expert guidance, practical tools, and no-cost consulting to help turn business ideas into reality and take existing businesses to the next level. Whether you’re starting, scaling up, or navigating challenges, our team is ready to support you. Together, we’re helping build a stronger, more resilient Southwest Michigan business community!
Bonnie Gabriel
Regional Director
bonnie.gabriel@wmich.edu
Bonnie Gabriel is the Regional Director of the Southwest Michigan SBDC, where she leads a talented team and advances strategic initiatives to support entrepreneurs at every stage in their journey. She brings over two decades of experience in financial operations and strategic planning. Before joining the Michigan SBDC in 2023, she worked in higher education, managing financial operations at Western Michigan University and teaching at the Haworth College of Business. Bonnie holds a BBA and MS in Finance from Walsh College and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable businesses and loves exploring local food spots that reflect the creativity of small business owners.
Wendy Spreenberg
Senior Business Consultant
wendy.spreenberg@wmich.edu
Wendy Spreenberg is a Senior Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region. She brings over 30 years of experience supporting small businesses, including 22 years as a business owner in the commercial real estate industry. Before joining the Michigan SBDC, she led coworking projects across North America and managed a successful coworking space for nearly a decade. Wendy also has experience in the retail, restaurant, and childcare sectors. She holds a BA in International Marketing and is a former licensed real estate broker. Wendy is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that create lasting value in their communities. She brings a strategic mindset, broad business knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning to every client interaction. Wendy is a new Michigander. She is grateful for the time spent with her extended family and loves exploring her new home state.
Diego Sandoval
Business Consultant
diego.sandoval@wmich.edu
Diego Sandoval is a Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region, where he supports entrepreneurs using his expertise, which includes business planning, startup strategy, and connecting clients to financial and community resources. He also provides bilingual support in Spanish to help remove language barriers. Before joining the Michigan SBDC, he worked in banking, gaining valuable experience in small business finance and fraud prevention. He also has a background in construction through his family’s real estate work, along with a strong foundation in community engagement and economic development. Diego holds a BBA in Business Law from Western Michigan University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Change Leadership. He’s passionate about helping small business owners succeed and believes local businesses are key to strong, thriving communities.
Siera Gunnett
Business Consultant Associate
siera.m.gunnett@wmich.edu
Siera Gunnett is a Business Consultant Associate with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region. Her expertise lies in entrepreneurship, small business development, and digital marketing, with a focus on supporting early-stage businesses. Before joining the SBDC in March 2024, she had also founded Plannett Gunnett, a sustainable fashion brand, overseeing operations, marketing, finance, and product development. As a small business owner herself, she understands both the challenges and rewards of turning an idea into something sustainable. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship from Western Michigan University. During her time there, she earned multiple honors, including the Brian Patrick Thomas Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and she was a finalist in both the Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge and Bronco Pitch Competition. She’s passionate about empowering small business owners to build meaningful, community-driven ventures on their terms.
Nathanael Carr
Business Consultant Associate
nathanael.j.carr@wmich.edu
Nathanael Carr is a Business Consultant Associate with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region. He supports entrepreneurs and small business owners by helping them develop strong business plans, understand their financials, and navigate early-stage business challenges. He joined the SBDC in May 2024 as an Intake Coordinator and, after graduating, transitioned into a consulting role in March 2025. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Western Michigan University. He brings an analytical mindset and a strong foundation in finance and business planning to every client interaction, and he enjoys breaking down complex challenges and helping entrepreneurs create practical strategies for long-term success. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active. He plays volleyball and golf, attends the gym regularly, and has recently started playing guitar again in his free time.
Aleyah Mayne
Intake Consultant
aleyah.mayne@wmich.edu
Aleyah Mayne is an Intake Consultant with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region and also supports the team’s social media coordination efforts. She is bilingual and offers support in Spanish, helping entrepreneurs feel more confident and supported throughout the process. Aleyah holds a BBA in Marketing with a minor in General Business from Western Michigan University. Since joining the team in early 2025, she has brought valuable experience from her previous work in the non-profit sector. She is passionate about helping and empowering others, and finds fulfillment in supporting small businesses as their ideas grow into reality.
Mackenzie Richardson
Student Specialist
mackenzie.e.richardson@wmich.edu
Mackenzie Richardson is a Student Specialist with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region, where she contributes to marketing and outreach efforts that strengthen the region’s business ecosystem. She is a third-year student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Food Marketing at Western Michigan University. She brings fresh perspective and thoughtful input to the team’s marketing strategies and is passionate about giving back to the community.
Emily Wohlfert
Student Specialist
emily.a.wohlfert@wmich.edu
Emily Wohlfert is a Student Specialist with the Michigan SBDC Southwest Region. She supports the team by developing financial forecasts for small businesses, assisting with client onboarding, and managing client information through Salesforce. She is a senior at Western Michigan University majoring in Personal Financial Planning. Emily is expected to graduate in Fall 2025. She is passionate about helping others save money and make informed financial decisions, with career interests in financial advising and wealth management. Her collaborative mindset, attention to detail, and commitment to financial literacy make her a valuable team member. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming in Lake Michigan and spending time with friends and family.
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