The new executive director for the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a former small business owner with more than a decade of strategic leadership in business development and community-focused initiatives.
Ashvina Patel, who most recently served as the business development manager at Academic Impressions, will take on her new role Jan. 27 to oversee the programming and services available to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Aurora as well as Arapahoe and Douglas counties.
“I’m thrilled to lead the Aurora SBDC team during a time when nearly half of Colorado’s workforce is employed by small businesses, the backbone of our community,” Patel said. “I’m committed to helping these businesses grow and thrive while ensuring budding entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in Aurora.”
Patel is a dynamic leader with deep ties to the city of Aurora. She serves as chair of the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission, where she is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and economic growth for Aurora’s diverse communities. Raised by entrepreneurs and a former restaurant owner, Patel has also served in both research and strategic planning roles in her career and holds a doctorate in anthropology from Southern Methodist University. She is passionate about driving impactful programs, supporting small businesses and leveraging her expertise to empower local entrepreneurs and create lasting economic vitality.
Patel was hired through a joint recruitment effort between the city of Aurora, which is the host of the Aurora-South Metro SBDC, and the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network.
“Ms. Patel has the passion and skills to further the success of the Aurora-South Metro SBDC team,” said Jeannine Rustad, director of the city’s Planning and Business Development Department. “She has an excellent knowledge about the Aurora community and is committed to this city and the work ahead. We look forward to our continued partnership with the SBDC under leadership.”
The Aurora-South Metro SBDC, which is part of the Colorado SBDC Network, is dedicated to assisting small businesses achieve their goals of growth, management improvement and financial success, providing one-on-one consulting, business training and small business resources.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ashvina to the SBDC Network as the new director for the Aurora-South Metro SBDC,” said Hannah K Krieger, state director of the Colorado SBDC Network. “She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, along with a deep commitment to serving the community. Her leadership will be instrumental in building on the center’s incredible achievements and serving small business owners across the region.”
For more information on the Aurora-South Metro SBDC, visit Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com or call 303.326.8686.