Ellen Kirton recognized as the 2015 Arizona State Star

The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network (AZSBDC) announced Ellen Kirton, director of the Pima & Santa Cruz SBDC, as the recipient of the 2015 America’s SBDC State Star for Arizona. Kirton was recognized at a private reception during the America’s SBDC Conference in San Francisco this week.

Each year, America’s SBDC recognizes a State Star from each SBDC at its annual conference. The State Star award is given out to an SBDC employee who exhibits exemplary performance, makes a significant contribution to his or her SBDC program and shows a strong commitment to small business. Any SBDC employee is eligible for the award.

Ellen Kirton spent 35 years in the banking industry, with her last position as a Senior Vice President and Business Banking Manager at BankOne/Chase. She co-owns an internet-based human resource company, is the author of “Cinderella is Still Dancing” and a public speaker. Kirton counseled small businesses, lead training sessions teaching business principles, and guided many small businesses to create economic impact for their communities.

“I am delighted to recognize Ellen Kirton for her contributions to Arizona small businesses. She is truly an example of an exemplary leader,” said Janice C. Washington, state director of the AZSBDC. “Ellen’s willingness to share her expertise, initiative to form strategic partnerships in the community while building her team and skill in counseling clients to create economic impact, has made her deserving of this award. She is a team player who is always willing and able to step-up to any challenge.”

About the AZSBDC Network
The AZSBDC Network is Arizona’s largest, most comprehensive and accessible source of assistance for small businesses in every stage of development, enabling overall growth and increased economic impact throughout the state. The AZSBDC Network includes SBDC and PTAC locations across Arizona. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AZPTAC), a specialty program of the AZSBDC, has six sites throughout the state. Funding for these programs is in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Defense. Hosted by Maricopa Community Colleges, the AZSBDC Network is accredited through the national America’s SBDC. To learn more about the Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit https://www.azsbdc.net/.

The AZSBDC Network is a great investment. On average for every $1 invested in the AZSBDC an Arizona small business increased sales by $18, accessed $14 in new capital and created or retained 6 jobs every working day.

AZSBDC Statewide Network
Helping Launch, Grow and Sustain Arizona Small Businesses
Hosted by: Maricopa Community Colleges

SBDC Service Centers Hosted by:
Arizona Western College | Central Arizona College | Cochise College | Eastern Arizona College | Maricopa Community Colleges | Mohave Community College | Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology | Northland Pioneer College | Yavapai College

Specialty Program:
Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Center Statewide Network
Hosted by: Maricopa Community Colleges