González Takes TAMIU Small Business Development Center Leadership

Helping future entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning a business and existing businesses grow is new Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Michael González’s goal.

González was appointed to his new position this Fall. As the new director, he will lead a team of full-time, professional business advising staff and a training program responsive to the changing needs of the small business community. In addition, he will maintain and develop critical partnerships with lending institutions, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders, and be a part of a network and leadership team serving South, Central and West Texas.

With more than 13 combined years in the corporate sector and higher education, González was previously activity director of TAMIU’s Title V Focus on Student Success (FOSS) Grant Program. Prior to joining TAMIU, he served as general manager of administration for Arguindegui Pump-N-Shop (Arguindegui Oil).

He said he looks forward to helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to join the talented and experienced team of professionals at the SBDC,” González said, “I am optimistic about the prospects that our community has for current businesses to expand and for aspiring business owners to realize their dream of owning their own small business.”

He continued, “It is my goal that, through constant innovation and a dedication to serving our community, the TAMIU SBDC plays a vital role in growing business in South Texas."

González earned his MBA in International Business from TAMIU. He holds a BBA in Management Information Systems with a minor in Consulting from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.

The SBDC has been assisting small businesses in the community for over 20 years. The TAMIU SBDC is a unique partnership between TAMIU and the University of Texas at San Antonio, with its main office located at TAMIU’s Western Hemispheric Trade Center.

Since 2011, the TAMIU SBDC has had a total of 2,961 new clients, and provided 14,364 counseling hours to new and existing businesses.

“The most common types of businesses we have served include retail, restaurants, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, insurance agencies, service providers, technology optical, medical, investment companies and child daycare centers, among others,” González explained, “So far, we have helped create 1,251 jobs in the community, and have assisted in 136 business expansions.”

Anthony Ruiz, district director of the Small Business Administration (SBA) San Antonio District Office said he welcomes González as the new TAMIU SBDC director.

“We congratulate and welcome Michael González as the new TAMIU SBDC Director, and we look forward to working together to serve the growing small business community of Southwest Texas,” he said.

 Al Salgado, executive director of the South-West Texas SBDC Network, also congratulated González.

“The unique relationship between UTSA and TAMIU offers the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) expansive resources in international trade, public-sector contracting, human resources, and technology commercialization,” he said, “In addition to the core business startup services the Center has provided for over two decades, we see a renewed emphasis on serving high growth businesses – those with the capacity and desire to take their existing businesses to the next level.”

Salgado continued, “Michael was chosen because he possesses first-hand knowledge of small business operations and the vision to grow and evolve the TAMIU SBDC along with the Laredo small business community.  It’s a new day for the Laredo SBDC!”

Rogelio Treviño, executive director of Workforce Solutions for South Texas, said González brings a wealth of knowledge to the TAMIU SBDC.

“Congratulations to TAMIU SBDC on the selection of Michael González as Director,” he said, “He brings a wealth of workforce experience and energy to the organization and we know that he will definitely be a great asset to the organization.”

Treviño continued, “We look forward to our continued partnership with Michael and SBDC in helping the small businesses in the region grow and create employment opportunities for South Texas.”

Dr. Humberto González, Jim Hogg County Judge, said González brings a wealth of community development experience to his new position.

“TAMIU has, since its inception, played a vital role in the economic development of the region,” Dr. González said, “With González’s addition as the Director of the SBDC at TAMIU, and his extensive experience in community development, TAMIU is well positioned to continue and expand its SBDC services in the region.”

For more information, please contact González at 326.2480, email michaele.gonzalez@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 226.

The University will be closed for the holidays Dec. 22 through Jan. 1. Regular office hours will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2.