The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC), a statewide economic development organization with its lead office at Kutztown University, has named Sarah Mailloux as its new state director. Mailloux has more than 10 years’ experience and begins her role Monday, Aug. 11.
Mailloux returns to KU after serving as the PASBDC’s associate state director for nearly two years, followed by two years as the current associate state director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center. In the associate state director positions, she served as the executive project leader to implement each network’s strategic plan, ensuring high performance and quality program delivery. Successes in these leadership positions stemmed from deliberate team building, managing a holistic strategic planning process, managing budgets and increasing process and technology efficiencies. Mailloux has made an impact on two neighboring regions and thousands of small businesses by improving operational efficiency, efficacy of SBDC programming and the behind-the-scenes organization that allows a program to grow and succeed.
Mailloux also spent two years as a program manager within the PASBDC at Temple University. Prior to her tenure with the SBDC network, she worked in wealth management, accounting and licensing.
“I’m excited to welcome Sarah back to the PASBDC Lead Office,” said Dr. Anne Carroll, dean, College of Business. “With her extensive leadership experience, spanning the lead office here in Pennsylvania and previously in Delaware, as well as her deep understanding of accreditation through America’s SBDC, she’s well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities facing our network in today’s dynamic environment.”
A three-time University of Delaware alumna, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations, a Master of Science in international business and a Master of Business Administration in entrepreneurship. Mailloux is an SBA Export Trade Counseling Certified advisor and a Commercialization Methodology Certified Coach. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware Lerner College of Business and received an MVP (Most Valuable Professor) Award in 2024 for teaching excellence. Her strength in problem-solving stems from years of research, data collection experience and specializations in entrepreneurial leadership, market research, social media, web design and instructional design.
“I am honored to serve the PASBDC network as its state director,” Mailloux said. “This network is unique in its passion, energy and impact on small businesses across the state. I hope to contribute to the continued success and see the network reach new heights.”
Recently, Mailloux was recognized as a 40 under 40 through America’s SBDC and also through Delaware Business Times. She received the PASBDC “Game Changer” award and University of Delaware Alumni Leadership Award in 2022.
The Pennsylvania SBDC is a statewide economic development organization that provides consulting services and business training to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-on-one sessions to help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities and much more. The state director oversees the entire network, which spans 150+ staff across 15 universities and has approximately a $10 million budget.
Learn more online or contact 877-472-7232.