Press Release: Pace University Small Business Development Center Recognized for Excellence and Innovation

U.S. Small Business Administration honors Pace SBDC during National Small Business Week

Image

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been named the 2025 SBDC of Excellence and Innovation by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New York District Office, a highlight of this year’s National Small Business Week.

The award recognizes exemplary performance in program delivery, management innovation, and economic impact among small businesses from diverse backgrounds. Based at Pace University’s Lower Manhattan campus and part of the New York SBDC network, the Pace SBDC offers in-depth, confidential business advisement, training, and research at no cost to clients. The center’s work is supported through funding from the SBA, the State of New York, and Pace University.

“Congratulations to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This well-deserved honor from the SBA underscores the center’s deep commitment to delivering impactful services to entrepreneurs across our city,” said Lawrence G. Singleton, dean of the Lubin School of Business. “I commend Regional Director Andrew Flamm and his dedicated team for their continued excellence and innovation.”

“Throughout its decades-long history, the Pace SBDC has remained a cornerstone of New York City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “This recognition is a tribute to the team’s hard work and unwavering support of small businesses, especially in underserved communities.”

The Pace Small Business Development Center is one of the City’s leading business development hubs for new entrepreneurs and small businesses, and I’m thrilled that it has been recognized with the well-deserved SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award from the SBA,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. "It has been a pleasure to work closely with Pace SBDC in supporting the small businesses that drive our economy, and I will continue to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to give every NYC small business the chance to succeed.

In the past year alone, Pace SBDC provided one-on-one counseling to nearly 1,500 clients, generating more than $12 million in economic impact and supporting the creation or retention of over 2,400 jobs. In response to growing demand, the SBA and the New York State SBDC tapped the Pace SBDC to expand services to Brooklyn, where it now operates in-person sessions at six locations in partnership with local officials, community groups, and the Brooklyn Public Library.

“Our team is deeply committed to helping small businesses in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan thrive,” said Andrew Flamm, regional director of the Pace SBDC. “Receiving this award motivates us to continue enhancing our high-impact programs in areas like financing, marketing, procurement, and business planning.”

“The Pace SBDC is a trusted resource for small businesses throughout the New York region,” said Matt Coleman, SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator. “Their expertise and dedication help ensure that entrepreneurs not only access vital SBA programs but also gain the tools to grow and scale successfully.”

“Pace SBDC’s commitment to small business success is unmatched,” added John Mallano, district director of SBA’s Metro New York Office. “Their advisors work tirelessly to help businesses start, grow, and expand across Manhattan and Brooklyn. We’re proud to name them the SBDC Center of Excellence and Innovation for 2025.”

“From CPA-led finance clinics to website development workshops and bootcamps, Pace SBDC continues to lead with high-value programs that drive real results,” said Sonya Smith, state director of the New York SBDC network. “This award reflects their ability to combine innovation with impact.”

Since launching in 1986, Pace SBDC has directly supported more than 20,100 small businesses, facilitating over $255 million in investment and helping to create or retain more than 10,600 jobs across New York.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a statewide network created to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business ventures and is a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partner. Funded by the SBA, the State of New York and Pace University, the Pace SBDC combines the resources of Pace University and the public and private sectors to enable small businesses to reach their full potential.