Small Business Development Center Adds COVID-19 Business Specialist

David Erickson“Small Business Development Centers throughout the U.S. have received CARES Act funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to hire additional business advisors in order to focus more resources on small business recovery due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said David Erickson, ASU-SBDC director. “Working alongside regular SBDC business advisors, they will assist small businesses in all aspects of business recovery, including PPP loan forgiveness, SBA EIDL loan use, and other sources of needed funding to recover. In addition, they will assist small businesses with COVID-19 mitigation procedures, marketing, business model review, and much more.”

Trinidad Aguirre Jr.Aguirre, a 1985 ASU graduate and a U.S. Navy veteran, holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from ASU and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Dallas. He recently retired after spending 30 years with Verizon, with his final assignment as area president for 16 states, including Texas, California and Florida, three of the areas hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics in America” and one of the “25 Corporate Elite Hispanics” by Hispanic Business magazine.

Additionally, Aguirre has served on the Executive Board of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, as a representative for the West Texas Energy Consortium, and on numerous civic committees. Together with his wife, Marie, he has owned and managed a roustabout oil company, retail women’s store, numerous commercial properties and a consulting service company.

“We are very happy to welcome Trinidad Aguirre to the SBDC team,” Erickson said. “His vast experience in business, including working with small businesses, along with his many contacts in the community, will be very valuable as we assist small businesses with COVID-19 recovery.”

Located in the Business Resource Center at 69 N. Chadbourne St., the SBDC has been aiding local and area small businesses for over 30 years. More details on available programs and assistance can be found at sbdc.angelo.edu.