Lower Manhattan based Pace University Small Business Development Center to form a larger regional team serving New York City.

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been tapped by the New York State SBDC network to expand the center’s service area to include Brooklyn as part of a pilot program.

Based out of the university’s lower Manhattan campus and as part of its Lubin School of Business, the Pace University SBDC provides in-depth and confidential one-on-one business advisement, training, and research to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business venture. All Pace SBDC services are offered at no cost to its clients through funding support by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and Pace University.

The Pace SBDC is​ part of a statewide network of 20 centers, and combines the resources of Pace University, and the public and private sectors to enable small businesses to reach their full potential. ​Since the center’s launch in 1986, the Center's experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have worked directly with more than 19,400 small businesses, helping them to invest over $245 million in the area's economy, and create or save over 8,800 jobs.

Image

Starting on January 2, 2024, the Pace University SBDC will launch its programming for Brooklyn-based small businesses, including in-person and virtual one-to-one business advisement in access to financing, marketing and sales strategies, government procurement, business planning and more. The expansion of services will be led by Pace University SBDC Regional Director Andrew Flamm.

“I am excited to launch Pace SBDC’s high-impact counseling services and training programming in Brooklyn, my home borough,” said Flamm. “Our team of business advisors has tremendous experience helping small businesses build and grow in their communities, and we look forward to deepening connections in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods to help generate new jobs and business investment.”

“Andrew Flamm and his high-performing team at the Pace SBDC offer an invaluable resource to countless New York City small businesses and exemplify Pace University’s commitment to advancing opportunities for our community,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “We’re pleased they’ll be expanding their work into Brooklyn, and we’re excited to see them build on their successes—and the long tradition of success at the Lubin School of Business.”

“Pace University’s Lubin School of Business is committed to community partnerships and entrepreneurial growth,” said Lawrence Singleton, dean of the Lubin School of Business. “As a longstanding host to the SBDC, we are delighted that the center will expand its service area to support Brooklyn-based small business owners and build economic opportunity. We thank NYSBDC State Director Sonya Smith and her leadership team for this opportunity for Pace University’s SBDC to extend business counseling and training to Brooklyn small businesses.”

"At the SBDC, we believe that shared resources and team-wide collaboration form an ecosystem of expertise to provide more small business services and offerings,” said Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York Small Business Development Center. “We are excited about this effort to better serve Brooklyn based small businesses. We always strive to improve our clients' experience and services and build bridges between communities. We see this as that opportunity."

“As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am deeply passionate about supporting small firms in New York and across the country,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, whose district includes a number of Brooklyn neighborhoods. “SBDCs play a vital role in supplying entrepreneurs with the skills needed to turn their dreams of owning a successful business into a reality. The Pace SBDC’s expansion of services into Brooklyn will help ensure more New Yorkers have access to these critical services. I look forward to continuing to work with Pace SBDC to support small businesses in my district and provide the resources necessary to grow and thrive.”

SBDCs are U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partners, and the Pace SBDC received an SBDC of Excellence & Innovation award from the SBA in 2022.

“The Pace SBDC has been a valuable partner, from helping small businesses access SBA pandemic recovery loan programs to co-hosting successful in-person small business financing programs and will be an effective resource for Brooklyn small businesses,” said John Mallano, District Director of SBA’s New York District Office.

Pace SBDC’s in-person one-to-one business advisory sessions will kick off from the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library.

“We are delighted to partner with Pace SBDC and provide space for their advisors to conduct one-to-one counseling sessions,” said Natalie Cannestra, Manager, Business & Career Services at the Brooklyn Public Library. “Pace SBDC’s support of Brooklyn small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs aligns with the BPL’s Business & Career Services’ focus on providing skills and knowledge to generate economic opportunity for our patrons.”

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 The 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. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (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. ​Since our start in 1986, the Center's experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have worked directly with more than 19,400 small businesses, helping them to invest over $245 million in the area's economy, and create or save over 8,800 jobs.

Maddy Vallillo

Account Coordinator, John James Public Relations

UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellow

Image

Class of 2024
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Non-Profit Studies

Member Of: Fusion Magazine

Pronouns: She/Her

Maddy Vallillo is on a mission to make her community a better place. As a UN Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network fellow, she has spent the semester tackling food insecurity in Lower Manhattan—but she aims to make a bigger impact. With her BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications and minor in non-profit studies, Maddy plans to organize and implement initiatives that go beyond her neighborhood.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I chose Pace University because it allows me to major in advertising, not just marketing. Its location in New York City provides me with unique networking opportunities, and the Lubin School of Business has great professors who have experience in their industries.

You are a member of Fusion Magazine, Pace's on-campus publication highlighting fashion, art, and lifestyle. Why is it important for you, as a business student, to tap into your creative side through Fusion?

Having a creative outlet is extremely important to me. Fashion, art, and lifestyle are all personal interests of mine. Being able to explore these interests and learn about pop culture through Fusion benefits me as an advertising student because I always need to be up to date with news, especially pop culture. Advertising is also an extremely creative field, so I'm getting some great experience with Fusion before I start creating my own campaigns.

This semester, you were selected for the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Fellowship. As part of the Fellowship, you are working to tackle the issue of food insecurity in Lower Manhattan. Why was it important for you to pursue this opportunity and project?

I have been working with Denise Belen Santiago, PhD, at Pace's Provisions Food Pantry for the past two years. I have first-hand knowledge of food insecurity and, more specifically, how this issue is affecting the Pace University community. When I applied to become a Millennium Fellow, I knew I wanted to tackle an issue close to me and one I have knowledge and experience with.

How will this Fellowship and project impact your career path?

I chose to minor in non-profit studies because I wanted to do more with the advertising and marketing skills I have been learning. I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and the way I wanted to do that was through organizing and implementing initiatives that benefit the communities I belong to. My fellowship project combines my passion for marketing and my desire to generate positive change in my community. I feel fulfilled by the work I am doing, and I hope to find a career that allows me to have more experiences like this.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace was an internship I had with the Trade Commission of Peru in New York City in the Fall 2022 semester. I was able to work on marketing an entire country, attend international trade shows, learn a lot about the culture of Peru, and work hands-on in international business for a government sector. It was an incredible experience, which I am so grateful for.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

College is more fun when you get involved and find your community. Pace and Lubin have great clubs and spaces where you can find your people and thrive socially and academically.

#LubinLife means having a great community of individuals I have been fortunate enough to collaborate, connect, and grow with during my past four years at Pace. Within Lubin, I have developed friendships with classmates, found mentorship in professors, and served as a leader and positive influence.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means having a great community of individuals I have been fortunate enough to collaborate, connect, and grow with during my past four years at Pace. Within Lubin, I have developed friendships with classmates, found mentorship in professors, and served as a leader and positive influence.

Connect with Maddy on LinkedIn