The Texas South-West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has announced Maricela Brown, Senior Business Advisor with the Sul Ross State University International SBDC, as the recipient of the 2025 State Star Award.
Brown was honored at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference in Orlando on Tuesday, Sept. 2, joining top business advisors from across the country.
The prestigious award is presented annually to the highest-performing Business Advisor in the 79-county Texas South-West SBDC Network. Honorees are evaluated on their impact in economic development, including client-attributed job creation and retention, business start-ups and expansions, capital access, productivity, and long-term client support.
Brown has dedicated 24 years to the Sul Ross International SBDC, the past seven as Senior Business Advisor. Her leadership has directly contributed to the creation of 41 new businesses, 14 expansions, 227 new jobs, and 155 jobs retained. She has also been instrumental in helping clients secure over $10 million in capital, with 155 clients receiving support in 2024 alone. Her guidance has benefited businesses across food, transportation, retail, entertainment, and service sectors.
Beyond her advisory role, Brown holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Sul Ross State University, is a licensed insurance agent with the Texas Department of Insurance, and is the founder of her own online fashion shop, River Lace Boutique.
“On behalf of the Sul Ross State International SBDC Team, I extend my sincere congratulations to Maricela,” said Cynthia Gomez, Interim Director of the SBDC. “We thank her for her outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence. This recognition is well deserved, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate her achievements.”
For more information, email cgutierrez@sulross.edu.
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