Feldt Takes on NWI SBDC Leadership Role

Lorri-FeldtBusiness advisor Lorri Feldt has been named regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center.

She brings more than 25 years of business-based expertise to the role. She has worked at Whirlpool Corp. in sales, customer service and marketing management capacities as well as served as a consultant and instructor at Purdue University North Central.

“I am excited about the opportunity to further engage SBDC resources to contribute to business growth and economic momentum in Northwest Indiana,” Feldt said.

As regional host, Purdue University Calumet Chancellor Thomas Keon looks forward to how the organizations will unite under Feldt’s leadership.

“Economic development is an important role for Purdue Calumet and the SBDC, as it stimulates and reinforces small businesses in our community. Our new director brings experience and motivation to the position and to the business community,” Keon said.

In the future, Feldt said the SBDC will be building on a solid base that has emerged under former Regional Director LeAnn McCrum and Interim Regional Director Bill Gregory.

“Our team of business advisors and the initiatives that LeAnn and Bill had underway position us well to serve business owners in the region,” Feldt said.

Serving seven counties in the region, the NWI SBDC offers no-cost assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.

For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.