2025 January
Greetings from the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers!
As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our talented team of Business Advisors and Center Directors, representing each of North Dakota’s eight planning regions. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to provide businesses across the state with the support and guidance they need to thrive. From helping entrepreneurs overcome challenges to driving growth and connecting them with valuable resources, their expertise and commitment are instrumental in supporting North Dakota’s small business community. With their continued efforts, we look forward to fostering even greater success for businesses statewide in the year ahead.
Meet the Team:
Keith Olson
Center Director, Williston
BCA, CVGA, CEPA, CBA, ABI, MCMEA, EDFP, CEB, APBA, PMC, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, ABI
Keith Olson leads the ND SBDC Williston Center, supporting small businesses in the northwest region of North Dakota. With over 20 years of experience in business advising, Keith has guided new and established business owners through challenges such as business planning, cash flow management, and loan preparations. Recognized as the SBDC State Star three times, including in 2021, Keith’s dedication to helping small businesses thrive is evident in his long-standing impact on the Williston and Watford City communities.
Cyrena Weeks
Business Advisor, Williston
Cyrena Weeks joined the ND SBDC team in 2021 through a contract with Tri-County Regional Development Council (TCRDC). Cyrena is the Executive Director of TCRDC and has a passion for assisting entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of owning/expanding a small business. Her love of people and wanting the best for them makes SBDC such a great fit. Weeks was born and raised in Williston, ND so she is very familiar with the culture of doing business in the area. She has her Business Administration Degree from Grand Canyon University.
KayCee Lindsey
Business Advisor, Williston – Crosby Satellite Office
CBA, ABI
KayCee was born and raised in North Dakota, and while her formal education is in the dental field, she has been involved with and learned behind the scenes from her father’s business over the years. She is actively involved in the community and economic development as a member of several boards and organizations throughout Divide County. 2025 marks her 15th year working with the ND SBDC!
Alan Gohary
Business Advisor, Minot
ASBC, Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Certified GrowthWheel Advisor, Certified LivePlan Business Advisor
Alan Gohary brings over 20 years of experience in small business consulting to his role as Business Advisor at the ND SBDC Minot Center. Having worked in various SBDC programs and served as Regional Director for the Great Falls Montana SBDC, Alan is well-equipped to support businesses in the Minot region. His qualifications include a B.S. in Business Administration, QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification, and Certified Accredited Small Business Consultant designation. Alan’s deep expertise and ongoing pursuit of a master’s degree in organizational leadership make him a valued resource for small businesses.
Ashley Louw
Business Advisor, Devils Lake
CPBA, ABI
Ashley has an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the Minnesota School of Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration from Mayville State University. Ashley brings a wealth of experience in management and retail across North Dakota and Minnesota regions. Ashley has over 16 years of management and retail experience throughout the North Dakota and Minnesota area and has been with the ND SBDC for 5 years.
Nicole Evans
Center Director, Grand Forks
CBA, Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, ABI, NorthStar Cybersecurity Certification
Nicole Evans, a seasoned small business owner and advocate, joined the ND SBDC in 2017 and has become a crucial member of the team. With extensive experience in start-up logistics, operations, and technology, Nicole leverages her own background as a small business owner to provide effective support to entrepreneurs. She holds a degree from Mayville State University and multiple certifications, including Certified Business Advisor, QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Advanced Business Intermediary.
Paul Smith
Center Director, Fargo & Southeast
MS, EDFP, CVGA, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, ABI
Originally from Chicago, Paul joined the ND SBDC in 2015 and currently serves as the Center Director for the Fargo/Southeast Region. He holds a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University. Paul is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA), Accredited Business Intermediary (ABI), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). With his leadership experience and specialized certifications, Paul is dedicated to fostering business growth and development in the region.
Chris Erwin
Business Advisor, Fargo & Southeast
MBA, MSML, CBA, ABI, NorthStar Cybersecurity Certification
Chris Erwin serves as a Business Advisor at the Fargo/Southeast Center, where he assists entrepreneurs and small businesses across the southeast region of the state. With a diverse background in his family’s tech business, as well as roles as CEO/Executive Director of a Chamber of Commerce in rural Nevada and experience in the hospitality industry, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Holding an undergraduate degree in marketing, along with an MBA and MSML, he is dedicated to continuous learning and uses his broad industry knowledge to help small businesses succeed in the region.
Tyler Demars
Bismarck Center Director
MSL, ASBC, ABI
Tyler Demars is the Bismarck Center Director. With over ten years of experience in business and economic development, Tyler is dedicated to supporting small businesses in State Planning Region Seven. His role centers on providing resources, guidance, and expertise to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges and foster growth. Tyler holds a master’s degree in strategic leadership from the University of Mary. His deep connections within the region, along with his extensive background, make him well-suited to lead the Bismarck Center in its mission to empower small businesses across the area.
Pete Leno
Center Director, Dickinson
Pete Leno joined the ND SBDC in December of 2024 as Dickinson Center Director. He comes to the SBDC following a highly successful career in higher education and operating a tech startup. Pete plans to use his extensive educational background and time as a small business owner to support entrepreneurs in the region. He holds degrees from Valley City State University in business administration and secondary education and graduate degrees from North Dakota State University.
Sarah Nagel
Business Advisor, Bowman
Sarah Nagel, a seasoned professional in business and economic development, joined ND SBDC in late 2024, bringing fresh energy and a strong commitment to fostering economic growth in Bowman, Slope, and Adams Counties. With a diverse background in various aspects of development, Sarah provides expert advisory services to support local entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges and achieving growth. Her exceptional relationship-building skills and deep expertise in business development make her an invaluable resource for the region.
This team stands out in their ability to inspire success through their everyday efforts. Their dedication to improving lives is evident in their commitment to serving every client with care, respect, and a deep understanding of the challenges they face. We could not be more thankful for our staff. The team’s collaborative spirit and willingness to partner further enhances their effectiveness and reach. Whether it’s navigating regulatory hurdles, addressing supply chain issues, or finding new markets, the team’s expertise and resourcefulness have helped countless businesses overcome obstacles and achieve success. Their ability to pivot and adapt quickly in response to changing circumstances is a testament to their resilience and dedication to the program’s purpose and the clients. Each team member plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve success. When small businesses thrive, communities thrive… North Dakota thrives.
Thank you,
Tiffany Ford, State Director
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