Aiken consultant wins Individual Performance Achievement Award for second consecutive year
July 13, 2017
Laura DiSano, lead consultant with the Aiken Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the past seven years, has for the second consecutive year received the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers’ (SC SBDC) Individual Performance Achievement Award for excellence in providing value to small businesses and advancing program delivery through innovative solutions. Despite working a part-time schedule, DiSano provides a full spectrum of services to existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs in Aiken County, SC, and surrounding communities.
Each year the SC SBDC bestows the coveted Individual Performance Achievement Award to a top performer who met or exceeded personal goals based on measurable key performance metrics such as creating/retaining jobs, increasing client sales, capital formation, fostering client longevity, launching new businesses and winning contract awards.
In addition to making a significant impact on the accomplishments, reputation and long–term sustainability of the SC SBDC network, DiSano earned this year’s performance award for assisting more than 50 clients, helping to launch 2 small businesses, creating/retaining 67 jobs, generating investments exceeding $6.1 million and enabling her clients to collectively increase annual sales by an impressive $12.2 million.
“Laura’s passion is contagious. When augmented by her indefatigable spirit and intense work ethic, she not only improves the prospects for her clients; but she also enriches the economic vitality of the Aiken community,” said South Carolina SBDC State Director Michele Abraham.
In addition to her prior successes serving small to mid-sized companies, DiSano has earned the respect and admiration of SBDC stakeholders for her expertise in business development, financial planning, marketing, business planning and licensing—skills she honed through a combination of SBDC training and employment with a Fortune 100 company.
Michele Abraham said that “Driving Performance Excellence” should be DiSano’s middle name. “With her unwavering focus and ‘do whatever it takes’ attitude,” said Abraham, “Laura generates an endless stream of quality client referrals and is a sterling example of the 51 high-caliber business consultants comprising the SC SBDC network.”
About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC)
Twenty–one South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) located throughout the state’s 46 counties offer pro bono individual, confidential business counseling. Consultants assist both existing and startup companies by providing an expansive range of services including developing business plans, evaluating financing options, preparing loan applications, managing operations, determining marketing strategies, directing human resources and much more. In addition to conducting free as well as affordable education workshops, SBDC centers refer clients to useful business resources. The SC SBDC champions specialty programs promoting government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance and minority outreach. Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow small business news at facebook.com/SCSBDC and @SCSBDC.
