Consultant Profile: Utocqua Grissett  

Area Center: Myrtle Beach

Title: Business Consultant

Start Date: September 1, 2023

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC?ANSWER: Upon graduation from Coastal Carolina University, I began my 23-year career in commercial banking. Throughout my career I performed in-depth credit analysis and evaluation of debt capacity to identify potential risks and mitigants to assist with loan structuring.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant?ANSWER:  he opportunity to be able to assist local business owners in the initial stages of business ownership to identify strengths and weaknesses and assist them with access to resources.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring business owner?

ANSWER: Please understand you are your business and there is no separating the two. So, ensure you are the best you in all aspects financially, organizationally, and mentally in order for the business to have a chance of succeeding.

QUESTION: What area of interest/expertise do you offer your clients?

ANSWER: I bring 23 years of credit origination, underwriting and asset management which will aid clients in negotiating loan structures. I also bring over 10 years’ experience in evaluating commercial investment real estate for creditworthiness, collateral value and potential risk.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment?

ANSWER: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, my greatest accomplishment has been a real time review of a client's financials and bringing to their attention how a bank could perceive them.

QUESTION: Why is the SC SBDC an important resource for business owners in South Carolina?

ANSWER:  The SC SBDC brings large business knowledge and resources to small business owners; affording them opportunities and access that could have been otherwise unattainable.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC?

ANSWER: The diversity of clients we assist and the potential impact I will have on my local community.