Pace SBDC Attends the 2025 NYSBDC Staff Training Event in Saratoga

The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) team recently attended the annual NYSBDC staff training in Saratoga, New York. Throughout the multi-day event, our team actively participated in a wide range of workshops covering topics such as small business financing, digital marketing strategies and AI for small business,  each designed to enhance our ability to deliver high-impact support to New York’s small business community.

We are proud to share that several team members received statewide recognition for their accomplishments. Business Advisors Rawle Brown and Gregory Callender were awarded the NYSBDC Advanced Business Advisor Certification, a reflection of their dedication to continued professional growth and client service excellence. Counseling Coordinator Roxanna Astorga received the NYSBDC Administrative Staff Primary Certification, acknowledging her essential contributions to the center’s operations.

Additionally, Business Advisor Sandra Cely was honored with the Compassionate Counsel Award, recognizing her empathetic and people-first approach to advising. And Pace SBDC client Liz’s Book Bar won the NYSBDC Neighborhood Business of the Year

The event also provided a moment to celebrate the Pace SBDC’s broader impact. Our center received the 2025 Neighborhood Hero Award for our expansion into Brooklyn, underscoring our mission to serve diverse and underserved communities across the city. We were also recognized for having the highest number of business starts (119) and most clients certified (59) across the statewide network, a testament to the hard work of our advisors and the entrepreneurial spirit of our clients.