Small Business Development Center at Troy University Director Juliana Bolivar has been selected as a recipient of the America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 award, which spotlight the extraordinary contributions of individuals under 40 in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network who have significantly impacted their local networks and the broader business landscape.
Bolivar was one of two Alabama SBDC Network staffers to be named to the list. The TROY SBDC is an outreach of the Sorrell College of Business and primarily serves a 10-county region in Wiregrass. In addition, TROY SBDC provides statewide support to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Juliana Bolivar’s leadership in charting a new course for small business support in our region is a direct reflection of her personal desire and dedication to making a positive impact throughout the Wiregrass and beyond,” said Sorrell Dean Dr. Judson Edwards.
“She is well-deserving of national recognition for her work with entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in Alabama,” he said. “Her efforts are not only helping to grow our local economies but also changing the lives of these small business owners for the better.”
Among a pool of accomplished young entrepreneurs, the distinguished panel of judges in America’s SBDC Millennial Interest Group selected 40 remarkable winners who stood out for their exceptional business acumen, innovative thinking, and commitment to driving growth and success. The winners will be celebrated at a reception during the 44th Annual America’s SBDC Conference on Thursday, September 5, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. The program is being sponsored for the second year by a longtime partner, the Thryv Foundation.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized among America’s SBDC 40 Under 40. This recognition is not just about me; it’s a testament to our collective commitment to create opportunities for rural businesses, women, veterans, Hispanic entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, and every brave individual driven to turn their dreams into their livelihood,” Bolivar said.
Inspired by her own family’s entrepreneurial journey, Bolivar said she was passionate about fostering growth and innovation across diverse sectors of the community.
“Together with the TROY SBDC team, we will continue to shine a light on the path of entrepreneurship and contribute to the flourishing economic landscape of Wiregrass,” she said.
