VEDA President’s Award recognizes Small Business Development Center Network Director for providing pandemic assistance

Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) President Jim Noel presented the 2020 President’s Award to Jody A. Keenan, Director of the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) for her exemplary leadership to the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It gives me great pleasure to honor Jody Keenan for her leadership and guidance in pivoting all the resources of the Small Business Development Center Network toward helping the businesses around the state respond to the pandemic,” Noel said. “The network’s impact speaks to her considerable skills, talent and a tireless work ethic she continues to demonstrate on behalf of small business owners.”

VEDA President’s Award recognizes Small Business Development Center Network Director for providing pandemic assistance. Jody A. Keenan transitioned 26 offices of the SBDC Network to become information centers to help business owners recover from the fallout of COVID-19

The George-Mason University-based SBDC supports community entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and other organizations seeking information on how to transition their business strategies during crises.

The nomination letter for Keenan recognized her for transitioning her entire network from its usual day-to-day activities to disaster control and response. Under her direction, the 26 offices of the SBDC Network became the authoritative sources for small-business related news and information.

The SBDC Network received $4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which Keenan deployed throughout the state. She recognized the importance of a coordinated approach to help small businesses recover from the pandemic.

Her nomination letter commends, “Her foresight, coupled with clear, unambiguous direction, enabled her organization to stay ahead of a quickly changing and demanding environment. She quickly developed a team dedicated to developing the necessary tools to help small business owners recover.

In 2020, the SBDC assisted 9,500 businesses, resulting in $86 million in new capital received and 1,167 loans obtained.

Since the start of the pandemic, the SBDC Network ramped up its ability to offer virtual webinars and training opportunities. More than 5,580 attendees took part in COVID-related webinars and seminars. Nearly 12,000 unique visitors logged on to VirginiaSBDC.org.

VEDA comprises hundreds of professionals from the state in economic development and other related fields.