Become a Sam Houston State University SBDC Client
The Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center provides no-cost, confidential business advising delivered by knowledgeable professionals with experience across diverse industries. Advising staff support entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of the business life cycle and provide guidance on planning, financing, marketing, and operations while serving Leon, Madison, San Jacinto, and Walker counties.
Director
Rhonda Ellisor
Director
Small business and economic development leader with expertise in startup, real estate, marketing, and strategy.
Business Advisor
Kim McLerran
Business Advisor
Small business owner and longtime business advisor with significant small business development experience including operations, education, agriculture, and land management.
Business Advisor
John Fletcher
Business Advisor
Small business ownership and management expert specializing in startups, branding, marketing, and e-commerce.
Business Advisor
Eric Garcia
Business Advisor
Bilingual Spanish-speaking small business finance professional with banking expertise and direct experience as a multi-location retail business owner.
Business Advisor
Marian Fletcher
Business Advisor
Small business ownership and management expert specializing in startups, branding, and e-commerce.
Admin. Associate
Sue Slater
Admin. Associate
Administrative and small business operations professional with extensive retail management experience.
Business Advisor
Becky Paschal
Business Advisor
Business advisor dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses through strategic guidance and support.
In-Person Events
Gain new business knowledge and skills through interactive, in-person training sessions covering a wide range of small business topics.
Live Webinars
Register for free, live webinars and learn practical business strategies taught by experienced professionals and subject-matter experts.
Recorded Webinars
Access on-demand webinars anytime to explore key business topics at your own pace and revisit expert insights when it’s convenient for you.
Success Story: Mixology Candle Bar
Entrepreneur Ashley Paris-Alderson partnered with the Sam Houston State University SBDC to launch Mixology Candle Bar, a creative experience where customers design their own custom candles. With guidance from advisor John Fletcher on business planning, company structure and marketing strategy, she successfully secured the capital needed to open the business.
Delivering Results That Matter
We support small businesses- and it shows. Our work drives measurable community impact.
Sam Houston State University SBDC 2025 Impact Data
Capital
Business Starts
Jobs Created
Average Client Rating
Address:
1 Financial Plaza, Suite 300
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-3737
sbdcinfo@shsu.edu
