Davidson-Davie Small Business Center director shares vision
Small business is often heralded as the heartbeat of the American economic ecosystem. In early August, Sharon Styffe took the helm as the Davidson-Davie Community College director of the Small Business Center to help provide support and guidance to local owners. Styffe describes her role as helping local businesses connect passion with a wealth of resources.
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, small businesses in North Carolina equal 99.6 percent of all businesses in the state.
From business taxes to marketing, Styffe’s business philosophy is simple. “Get it done right from the beginning.” Additionally, she works with existing customers who need assistance. “I find that no matter where you are in business there are new challenges and things to improve.”
Styffe comes with a plethora of business experience including management and finances. The Pennsylvania native is the mother of two adult children, Kerri and Wayne, who lives in the Winston-Salem region. Two Siberian Huskies, Altair and Siri, keep her busy as well. Styffe comes to North Carolina by way of Massachusetts after working for a startup business in Pennsylvania. She highlights experiences from working with companies in over 40 states in the U.S.
She has a passion for education and taught courses in management, small business development, marketing, accounting, business, technology and other disciplines on the undergraduate and graduate levels at various colleges including the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
In a statement, Styffe shared, “I am excited to be in North Carolina at DDCC and eager to work with all of our small business partners as well as the staff and faculty at Davidson-Davie Community College.”
She will split time between the college’s Davie and Davidson campuses. The new director has scheduled a slate of opportunities including specialty sessions for women, veterans and underrepresented communities. Of course, she is available for one-on-one coaching through the Small Business Center’s website.
Styffe calls smalls business the “crux” of our economy. “All of them have a real passion for what they do…I love working with them.”
