SBDC Iowa’s Shimkat earns new posts with U.S. SBA

Lisa Shimkat, the Iowa State director of America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been appointed associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and acting associate administrator for the Office of International Trade.  Ms. Shimkat’s appointment reflects her exceptional contributions to the advancement of small businesses and entrepreneurship, both in […]

Lisa Shimkat, the Iowa State director of America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been appointed associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and acting associate administrator for the Office of International Trade.  Ms. Shimkat’s appointment reflects her exceptional contributions to the advancement of small businesses and entrepreneurship, both in Iowa and across the nation, according to a news release from the U.S. SBA.  Since assuming the role of state director in August 2014, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives. They have positioned Iowa SBDC as a critical resource for small business owners, the release said. Under her leadership, the 15 Regional Centers of the Iowa SBDC have:

• Assisted more than 24,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Supported the launch of 2,500 new businesses.
• Facilitated the creation of more than 18,000 new jobs.
• Secured more than $900 million in capital infusion for small businesses.
• Generated $1.5 billion in sales revenue.

Ms. Shimkat’s dedication and vision have earned her numerous accolades. They include her recent induction into the Iowa Central Community College Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumni. She also was recognition as a 2023 Woman of Influence by the Des Moines Business Record. She earned her MBA from the Iowa State University Ivy College of Business and has contributed to many state and national boards. In her new SBA role, she will oversee Field Operations and International Trade which is responsible for the direct execution of the Agency’s products and services for America’s small businesses. Her appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth, the release said.

National search planned

Alicia Smith, Iowa SBDC’s chief accountant and associate state director, is serving as interim state director. During this transition, the Iowa SBDC said it remains steadfast in its mission to support Iowa’s small business community. A selection committee will be formed to conduct a national search for a new state director. David Spalding, vice president of economic development and industry relations, and the Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, applauded Ms. Shimkat.  “On behalf of the entire team, I wish to extend our profound gratitude to Lisa for her leadership and dedication over the past decade. Under her direction, Lisa has significantly advanced the growth of small businesses across our state and fostered invaluable partnerships both within the state and on a national level,” he said. “Her vision, commitment, and leadership have established an exceptional standard for all of us,”  Mr. Spalding added. “As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, we look forward to her continued success and wish her all the best in this new endeavor.” America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA, SBDC Iowa. SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers across the state.  Since the program's inception in 1981, it has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops. For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit here.