Wolf Point, MT – July 10th, 2024 – The Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce that our Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center, Quincy Walter, has been named the 2024 Montana “State Star.” This prestigious national award is given to one advisor in Montana each year, the award recognizes outstanding performance and commitment to small businesses.
Quincy Walter, who joined GNDC’s SBDC in 2021, will be honored in September at the America’s SBDC national conference in Atlanta. The State Star Award highlights exemplary performance, significant contributions to the SBDC program, and a strong dedication to supporting small businesses.
“Quincy’s experience and perspective bring great value to her clients,” said Chad Moore, SBDC State Director. “She’s an asset to the entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northeast Montana, and we’re thrilled to have her on our team.
Walter has tremendously impacted the small business community in the seven counties of Roosevelt, Richland, Sheridan, Daniels, Valley, Garfield and McCone. The small business development center provides free confidential one-on-one consulting and training for anyone interested in starting, growing or selling their businesses. She has set records in loan closings by implementing innovative strategies that have helped numerous small businesses grow. Walter has also hosted countless training sessions on a variety of topics, further supporting local entrepreneurs.
Her efforts extend beyond her own region, as she has actively collaborated with other SBDC centers across Montana, improving communication, efficiency, and client support statewide. Her dedication to the local “Minnow Tank” competition has also been noteworthy, resulting in $5,000 awards to local start-ups and existing small businesses with the best business ideas.
In 2023 alone, Walter counseled 103 clients, supported over 313 jobs, and helped secure over $6 million in funding for her clients.
“I’m honored to receive the Montana State Star Award from the SBDC network,” said Quincy Walter. “Thank you to my colleagues who submitted my name for this honor. I have always dreamed of owning a million different small businesses since I was a kid and have supported small businesses in any way imaginable all my life. To find a career where I get to continually help individuals start or grow their small businesses in northeastern Montana still boggles my mind, it really is a dream come true for me. This recognition reflects not only my dedication but also the collective efforts of our incredible team at Great Northern Development Corporation to make all the success possible for all small businesses in our region. Together, we are committed to empowering small businesses, driving economic growth, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. I could not be more grateful to work in such an amazing environment, where I get to continually learn and reach new milestones.”
For more information on GNDC’s and the SBDC services and to find out how they can help you and your small business dreams go to gndc.org.