Longview SBDC Hires Business Advisor

LONGVIEW, TEXAS – The UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has hired Longview native Melissa Cosper as a small business advisor to help local entrepreneurs start new businesses and small businesses grow and thrive.

“We are excited to have Melissa as part of our team,” says Day Shelmire, Director of the SBDC. “She is an entrepreneur and small business owner and knows what it takes to start and grow a successful small business.”

“The diverse entrepreneurial experience and objective counsel I gained as a client of the SBDC advisory team were pivotal in building the thriving business I have now,” says Ms. Cosper. “I am thrilled to contribute to the SBDC team, helping other entrepreneurs benefit from the support of a trusted business advisor in today’s dynamic economy.”

Ms. Cosper has a bachelor’s degree from LeTourneau University and a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management. “Melissa is a well-rounded business advisor with strengths in business development, marketing, and project management,” says Shelmire. “She will make an immediate impact on the small businesses she works with.”

The Longview SBDC is a Small Business Administration resource partner and is tasked with helping entrepreneurs start businesses and small business owners grow their businesses. “We play an important role in the health of our local economy,” says Shelmire. “Small businesses account for almost fifty percent of all jobs in the US. Melissa will help us continue to foster a strong small business community in East Texas.” Ms. Cosper’s primary office will be in Longview where she will serve businesses in Marion, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Gregg and Upshur Counties.

The UT Tyler-Longview SBDC provides advising and consulting services, at no cost, to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk and Upshur Counties. For more information go to longviewsbdc.com or call 903-757-5857.