Winthrop Region Director Tom George to Retire
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
August 26, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Susan Sturgeon Marketing ManagerSC Small Business Development Centerssusan.sturgeon@moore.sc.edu
Winthrop Region Director Tom George to Retire
Nearly seven years of leadership strengthened entrepreneur support across 15 South Carolina counties
COLUMBIA, SC— The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) today announced that Winthrop Region Director Tom George will retire effective September 1, 2026, concluding nearly seven years of service to South Carolina’s small-business community.
Since joining the SC SBDC in November 2019, George has led consulting services across 15 counties through three Area Centers and multiple satellite locations. He worked closely with business consultants, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, community partners, and local leaders to expand access to business assistance and help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
George personally assisted nearly 592 small-business owners and entrepreneurs through approximately 2,245 hours of one-on-one consulting. His work helped clients secure more than $4.4 million in capital. During his regional leadership, SC SBDC clients started 17 businesses and created or retained 282 jobs.“Tom’s deep commitment to cultivating operational excellence and supporting local economies has set a standard for regional leadership,” said SC SBDC State Director Marquise Jackson. “His impact extends far beyond the Winthrop Region, and we are grateful for the example he has set across our entire network.”
George brought experience in journalism, local government, entrepreneurship, and higher education to the role. Before joining the SC SBDC, he served as a Small Business Center Director and later as Dean of Marketing and Outreach at Stanly Community College. That varied background informed his practical approach to helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of business ownership.
Throughout his tenure, George emphasized persistence and viewed setbacks as opportunities to reassess and move forward.
“Starting a business is not for the faint of heart,” George said. “You need to understand that failure is not the end, but merely the opportunity to recalibrate your plan or idea.”
George said he is especially proud of the servant-leadership culture built within the Winthrop Region, the region’s strengthened relationship with Winthrop University, and the SC SBDC’s position as a trusted and recognized resource within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“While the numbers are meaningful, I am most proud of the relationships developed and the opportunity to help business owners turn their ideas, challenges, and goals into tangible results,” George said.
In retirement, George plans to continue teaching at Winthrop University and is exploring the possibility of returning to the SC SBDC as a part-time consultant. The next chapter will allow him to remain engaged with students, entrepreneurs, and the small-business community while having greater flexibility in his schedule.
The SC SBDC will announce George’s successor as Winthrop Region Director at a later date.
Tom George: SC SBDC Winthrop Region Director (2019-2026) A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP WINTHROP REGION ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER GEORGE’S LEADERSHIP Timeframe: Seven Years Winthrop Region Reach:
Direct Client Impact:
Economic Impact:
Tom George Recognition: 2025 SC SBDC Leadership Award |
About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC): At the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC), we drive real results—fueling job creation, capital investment, and economic growth across South Carolina. By providing small businesses with no-cost access to high-quality business expertise, strategic guidance, and specialized resources, we help entrepreneurs start strong, grow smarter, and scale with confidence. With more than 50 professionals across 20 centers statewide operating as a cohesive network, we empower small businesses with hands-on expertise in funding, strategy, marketing, and operations. Whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, we connect clients with the tools, guidance, and support needed to take their businesses to the next level. Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC and on Twitter @SCSBDC . Our program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures are available at: South Carolina SBDC Network Funding Sources
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