Seasoned Banker and Business Advisor Named LSBDC at ULM Associate State Director

June 28, 2014 - PRLog -- The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) and University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) have selected Bryan L Greenwood as Associate State Director (ASD) of the LSBDC network. Greenwood brings more than 20 years’ experience in banking, consulting, capital formation, entrepreneurial development, innovation and technology commercialization to the LSBDC.

As ASD, Greenwood is responsible for directing and overseeing the LSBDC’s entrepreneurial programs, policy development and implementation, as well as guiding the strategic direction of the network. He will also lead community and stakeholder relation endeavors to further enhance regional economic development efforts.

“I am excited to return to the LSBDC network and to help small businesses reach their fullest potential,” said Greenwood. “Our small businesses are innovative and resilient, which is one of the reasons why Louisiana has one of the best business climates in the country.”

As a former SBDC director and experienced technology commercialization advisor, Greenwood’s goal is to enhance the LSBDC’s technology used to interface with clients. “I plan to find a way for the network to adapt more technology in its delivery system, as well as work to identify ways to streamline operations in order to improve client counseling and training.”

Greenwood, owner of Woodstone Properties, LLC and Bryan L. Greenwood & Associates, LLC joined the LSBDC in 2009 as director of the LSBDC Technology Center at Louisiana State University. During his tenure, he and his team counseled and trained nearly 4,000 entrepreneurs and helped them start 48 businesses, save and retain 330 jobs, secure $34 million in capital and increase sales by $15 million. He also served on the LSU Stephenson Entrepreneur Institute faculty as an instructor, teaching Innovation and Creativity, as well as Business Planning courses.

“Bryan’s previous experience as an LSBDC Director coupled with his technology use and commercialization expertise will be quite valuable to each Center as we [LSBDC] focus on technology growth in the state and better management of fewer resources,” said Rande Kessler, LSBDC state director.

During much of his career, Greenwood worked with entrepreneurs and small business owners in identifying their respective capital needs, determining the appropriate capital structure for their business, and developing the tools needed to go out and raise debt or equity capital.

Prior to joining the SBDC he worked as an assistant vice president and commercial loan officer with three financial institutions where he focused on small and medium size businesses providing loan and treasury service products, managing nearly $50 million in loans over the course of 10 years.

According to Kessler, Greenwood’s extensive banking background is a huge benefit to the LSBDC. “He brings significant banking experience to our network, which will help our clients better understand what lenders are looking for when trying to start or grow a business.”

Greenwood is a certified FastTrac™ Facilitator by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and is a member of the Louisiana District Export Council.

Greenwood, a native of Lafayette, has a Master’s of Business Administration and Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance, both from Louisiana State University.