SIERRA VISTA — Mark Schmitt probably knows all about your small business woes and triumphs. He dealt with his fair share as a business owner himself for 20 years.

From left, Bob Mucci, Rachel Norton and Mark Schmitt of the Cochise College Small Business Development Center

Schmitt joined the Small Business Development Center at Cochise College three years ago and became its director just last year. On July 30, he received a state-wide award for having the most economic impact among all of Arizona’s SBDC counselors. In addition to his individual award, Cochise College’s SBDC received recognition as one of only three in the state that met all of its goals for the year.

“I want to give credit to past directors, because they laid the trackwork,” Schmitt said. “A lot of it, too, is the college gives us the freedom to explore various technology changes and partner with different organizations. We’re able to make adjustments. Our hands aren’t tied in this certain position and we can be creative in aiding the Arizona economy by helping small businesses survive.”

In the first six months of this year, Cochise College’s SBDC helped start 33 new businesses, which created 63 new jobs, and assisted in retaining 24 jobs. The college’s SBDC helped clients increase sales and held 16 training events in addition to one-on-one counseling that catered to specific business needs.

Schmitt said he reason for the center’s success is it shies away from a cookie-cutter, blanket approach with its clients.

“We’re matching objectives to what a person is trying to do,” he said. “A business has to offer products and services its consumers want. We have to do that, too.”

Schmitt was a business analyst for the SBDC for two years prior to becoming director last year. But before stepping on campus, he was self-employed and started, operated and sold a wide variety of businesses. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and a master’s in business administration.

“When I talk to someone, I’ve signed over $1 million in leases, and I’ve spent $5,000 on that ad that didn’t work, and I know it hurts,” he said. “A lot of business do things with gut reactions, but you need something more formalized today.”

In addition to exploring opportunities for professional growth through attending workshops, training and conferences, Schmitt has also recently written a book, titled “How to Start a Business Today,” which is still within draft stages.

He describes it as a simple how-to book, but instead of asking readers to just follow instructions, it’s actually a workbook that begs for engagement from its reader.

“The book is geared toward anyone interested in anything having to do with business,” he said. “And a plan shouldn’t just be done when entering. You should look at your plan every six months. This goes through even how to choose a name. When was the last time you saw a business book about choosing a location or a bank? This covers a lot of areas not normally seen in a business book.”

Recipients of awards are recognized based on specific areas, which are most jobs created, loan facilitation, capital formation, assisting startup, new hires and retention.

One of the SBDC’s partners is the SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization and its economic development planner A’kos Kovach, who works closely with Schmitt and was pleased to see him and the Cochise College SBDC recognized for their efforts.

“It has been my honor to work with many SBDC centers and their state logistics team,” Kovach said. “Mark Schmitt is uniquely qualified to serve in his role and his professionalism speaks volumes for the entire SBDC program. Mr. Schmitt is a problem solver and consensus builder.”

The Cochise College Small Business Development Center provides free services to help small businesses in Cochise County succeed. It is located on the Sierra Vista campus, but it extends outreach to all of the county. The SBDC is a small-business support organization sponsored by Cochise College and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For more information about the SBDC, click here or call (520) 515-5478.