Portland, Maine –The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has selected Alison Lane as the 2021 State Star and Shannon Byers as the 2020 State Star. The awards, given annually, recognize a member of the Maine SBDC staff that has shown exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success.
“Alison and Shannon have shown extraordinary dedication to Maine’s small businesses as they respond to and navigate the challenges caused by the pandemic. Not only have they provided compassionate and knowledgeable guidance to entrepreneurs during a time of great uncertainty, but they have provided calm and supportive leadership to their SBDC colleagues,” commented Mark Delisle, Maine SBDC State Director. “I am proud to have them as part of the team and happy to see them recognized.”
Shannon Byers is a center director and business advisor at the Maine SBDC at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Ellsworth, Maine. She works with entrepreneurs and small businesses in Hancock and Washington Counties. Shannon also manages a team of six SBDC business advisors throughout central Maine. Shannon’s clients praise her for her skilled and easy-to-talk-to demeanor helping them feel focused and confident. In the four years she’s been with the SBDC, she has spent 4,000 advising over 600 clients. She’s helped to start 39 businesses, create and save 123 jobs, and generate over $11 million in capital.
Alison Lane is a business advisor at the Maine SBDC at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Bangor, Maine. She works with entrepreneurs and small businesses in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties. Alison’s clients praise her for her knowledgeable, positive, and supportive demeanor helping them feel confident and prepared. A recent client commented, “You listened, you heard me, you supported and encouraged, you reminded, you inspired, you educated, and you guided.” Over the last two years, she has spent 2,500 hours advising over 600 clients. She’s helped to start 35 businesses, create and save 110 jobs, and generate nearly $10 million in capital.
About the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC)
The Maine SBDC provides no-cost, comprehensive business advising to small businesses throughout Maine through its network of certified business advisors. It is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Southern Maine and accredited by America’s SBDC Network. For more information or to request a business advising appointment, visit the website: www.mainesbdc.org or call 207-780-4420.