SBDC Team
Michael Bowers is a Business Advisor and Director for the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Columbus State Community College. The primary focus of the SBDC is to support prospective and existing entrepreneurs as they seek to start and grow businesses in Central Ohio.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance from the University of North Alabama and a Master’s in Public Administration from The Ohio State University. Michael is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Public Administration from Liberty University.
Michael has worked with entrepreneurs and small business owners for over 30 years, 22 of which have been in Columbus leading the SBDC. He has a diverse business skill set with experience in banking, private equity, strategic planning, leadership and public sector management.
Teresa Green is a Program Specialist for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College, where she manages the intake process for new clients and provides office management support.
Teresa holds Bachelor’s degrees in Business Leadership, Business Management, and Human Resources, all obtained from Franklin University.
Teresa is also an entrepreneur focused on organic, vegan nutrition and is certified in Holistic Nutrition from American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA).
Kevin Hammond has been a business management consultant for 13 years, mostly focused on small businesses and start-ups. Kevin has been on the SBDC team for almost ten years as a consultant.
Prior to consulting Kevin was in financial services at Chase Manhattan. Kevin has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University and an MBA from Capital University.
Kevin loves entrepreneurship and its rewards, benefits, and challenges. In his little non-work time he mostly enjoys spending time with family, running, the very occasional golf game, and working some more.
Ellen Harvey is a Certified Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College (SBDC). Ellen also serves as the Capital Access Manager for Kiva Columbus through the SBDC Kiva Partnership. Ellen is an economic development and lending relations professional with 18 years of experience researching, planning, implementing and evaluating small business and economic development programs for City, State and Federal agencies.
Directly, Ellen has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with access to capital, resources, training, and counseling. Having owned her own mortgage brokerage for 8 years, she truly understands the day-to-day challenges business owners face. In addition, Harvey’s experience as the Director of the Women’s Business Center for the Economic Community Development Institute and as a Business Consultant for the Minority Business Assistance Center has given her a unique perspective into the special issues that confront minorities, women, and economically and socially disadvantaged business owners.
With the SBDC Ellen continues her quest to provide excellent service and guidance to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
Barb Parknavy serves as Project Coordinator for SBDC, managing special projects such as the CARES Act Advising Program and the City of Columbus/Franklin County Small Business Recovery Grant. She provides administrative, analytical, training, outreach, and research services in support of the SBDC team.
Barb is a valued member of the team and provided support services to the SBDC while earning her Associates Degree in Business Management from Columbus State Community College where she was awarded the designation of Student Employee of the year in April 2018 and completed dual Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Franklin University May 2021. In addition, Barb owns and operates her own small businesses in artisan crafts and administrative support.
Bruce Walters is a Certified Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College, where he manages the Startup business process for new clients, and provides marketing, operations, and general advising services for established businesses.
Bruce’s experience is predominately in insurance, human resources, entertainment, and non-profit administration. Bruce holds an Associate Degree in Art from City College of San Francisco, a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from the University of California Berkeley, and a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Communications from Franklin University.
Tonya Wilson is a Certified Business Advisor for the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College where she provides marketing, capital access, operations and general advising services to small business owners. Tonya is also responsible for the branding and marketing strategy for the Center, program development and the coordination and promotion of over 200 training programs and events annually.
Tonya’s education background includes an Associate Degree in Multimedia Production, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, and a Masters in Marketing and Communication. She also holds a certificate from Columbus State Community College in Training and Development, is a LERN Certified Program Planner and a Professional Certified Marketer of the American Marketing Association.
Roberta Winch is the Director of the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network at Columbus State Community College. She is responsible for assisting businesses that are new to exporting or are ready to expand their export markets. Roberta’s experience has been predominantly in the fashion retail sector, with a focus on international merchandising, sales and marketing. In these roles she has gained significant market experience in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as, Central and South America and the Middle East. Roberta holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science, Management Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh, Katz School of Business. She holds a B.A. in International Studies from American University, Washington, D.C.
Pamela Alvaro Unzueta is a bilingual business advisor at the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State Community College. She acts as a liaison for the Hispanic/Latino community, providing essential tools, education, and guidance to successfully start, grow, and sustain their businesses. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Universidad del Valle de México and has extensive experience in strategic marketing, public relations campaigns, and community engagement initiatives to support business growth.
Pamela is also a small business owner, dedicated to promoting her culture through everyday goods. Her business specializes in unique cultural items, ensuring that each product tells a story and connects customers to her cultural roots. Through her professional and entrepreneurial efforts, Pamela fosters cultural appreciation and awareness.
Office: 614.287.5294
Email: sbdc@cscc.edu
Physical Address:
356 N. Grant Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Mailing Address:
550 E. Spring Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Hours:
Monday 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Wednesday Virtual Hours
Thursday 9:00AM – 3:00 PM
Friday 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Disclaimer: The Small Business Development Center of Ohio (SBDC) program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Ohio SBDC at (614) 287-5294 or via email at sbdc@cscc.edu.
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