Oceanside CA– Sudershan Shaunak, director of the North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by MiraCosta College, has received the Anthony Vigil Small Business Advocacy Award. Bestowed by the U.S. Small Business Administration San Diego District Office and the San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Regional Network, Shaunak received his recognition at their awards breakfast, held June 11 in San Diego.
The Anthony Vigil Small Business Advocacy Award, named for the retired deputy district director of SBA San Diego, recognizes a community leader or organization for services provided to the small business community. Shaunak was recognized for exemplary advocacy, leadership and extraordinary assistance, and was instrumental in the creation, growth and success of North San Diego County’s small business and economic development.
Shaunak, who has been the director of the North San Diego SBDC since 2003, is a management accountant with 44 years of hands-on experience in business. He is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in strategic planning, financing, financial management, business expansion/growth, turn-around and start-ups.
During his tenure as SBDC director, Shaunak and his team have conducted 1,431 workshops attended by 18,282 participants and provided 36,594 hours of no-cost business advice to 6,571 clients.
Even in a volatile economy, services from the North San Diego SBDC helped entrepreneurs create/retain 1,911 jobs; increase revenues by $111 million; obtain $39 million in financing; win $29 million in government contracts and start 252 new businesses.
In addition to Shaunak, these North San Diego SBDC clients also received SBA awards:
Elaine Richardson, manager of Small Business Development, San Diego Associations of Governments (SANDAG), received the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year award, which is presented to an individual who has demonstrated effective advocacy of the minority small business community.
Annie Aguilar, president/principal engineer, San Dieguito Engineering, Inc., who received the honor of Women-Owned Small Business of the Year. This award is presented to a successful small business that is owned and operated by one or more women.
Deborah Hamilton, president, Teehee Engineering, Inc., who received the Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year award, which is presented to a small business that is owned and operated by one or more minority individuals who have demonstrated business success.
For more information, call the North San Diego SBDC at 760.795.8740.