Mary Beth Votava named 2022 State Star of ND SBDC
MINOT, ND – Mary Beth Votava, center director of the Minot Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been awarded this year’s America’s SBDC State Star.
Votava is the network’s longest-tenured staff member, having been with the program since July 2000. The Minot center serves seven counties in north central North Dakota. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Minot State University. In addition, Votava is a Certified Business Advisor, Business Certified Appraiser, Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Accredited Business Intermediary. Her expertise includes accounting, lending and finance, strategic planning, loan packaging, government procurement, succession planning, business buy/sell planning, business valuation and business recovery work.
“Mary Beth defines an exemplary performer that makes significant contributions to our ND SBDC network,” said Tiffany Ford, ND SBDC state director. “She has always shown a strong commitment to her clients and to our state’s small businesses; and she cares deeply for them, as a trusted advisor should. Her knowledge and expertise are invaluable. Her professionalism elevates our network to the next level. She demonstrates this in how she mentors other advisors in our network and is a true leader that I also learn from. She is very deserving of this award and to be honored at the national level for the remarkable work that she continues to do day in and day out.”
Each State Star is chosen by their affiliated SBDC network. The selection is based on demonstrating exemplary performance, making significant contributions to their networks and their commitment to the success of America’s small businesses. They are honored nationally at the annual America’s SBDC conference each September.
Votava said, “It is an honor to be chosen by my fellow advisors to receive the 2022 network state star award. Every day we are privileged to work with entrepreneurs and business owners who help define the ND way of life. The dedication of the SBDC team and the work of the SBDC program truly makes a difference in business development.”
The ND SBDC is a statewide outreach program of the Center for Business Engagement & Development within the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. Since its inception in 1986, the ND SBDC network has helped business owners and entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their small businesses through confidential, individualized, professional business advising and training workshops. Services are provided at no cost to clients thanks to funding from U.S. Small Business Administration, ND Department of Commerce and local supporters across the state.
For more information on the ND SBDC programs or services, call 701.777.3700, email leadcenter@ndsbdc.org, visit our website, ndsbdc.org or find on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram).
