Gloria Monroe Named SBTDC Director

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at UNCW has named Gloria Monroe as the new center director. Monroe has been the interim director since June 2023.

"Monroe has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to fostering the growth of small and mid-size enterprises across southeastern NC," said Rob Burrus, dean of the Cameron School of Business. "Her expertise has been instrumental in spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at delivering cost-effective solutions and facilitating valuable real-world experiences for student interns."

Monroe, who holds an MBA from Michigan State University, was previously at IBM before joining the SBTDC in 2017 as a general business counselor.

“I am deeply honored and enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the dedicated team at UNCW SBTDC,” Monroe said. “Alongside my team, I am committed to fostering collaborative partnerships with other organizations to drive positive impacts for businesses across southeastern North Carolina.”

She outlined her vision for the center, building upon the legacy established by her predecessors, Beth Wilkerson and Heather McWhorter (now UNCW’s CIE Director).

“My goals entail further expanding the reach of the center, extending support to a greater number of enterprises, and nurturing promising startups to catalyze economic growth across the state," she said.

 As part of the North Carolina SBTDC, a statewide business advisory service under the University of North Carolina System, the Wilmington SBTDC serves as a vital resource hub for entrepreneurs across six counties: Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender.

Monroe emphasized her commitment to enhancing outreach efforts, particularly in Tier 1 counties, where there exists a significant opportunity to raise awareness and extend vital services to businesses.

About The SBTDC

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is the business advisory service of the University of North Carolina System. SBTDC has 16 offices across the state staffed with experts ready to provide personalized counseling and education to small and mid-sized businesses. The center helps entrepreneurs make their businesses better, create and retain jobs, and improve the economy of North Carolina. Learn more at www.sbtdc.org.