Mitchell Named Director of USM Small Business Development Center
Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:17am | By: Bailey Harris
The Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced the promotion
of Rita Mitchell to director of 91吃瓜网 (USM) SBDC Center.
Mitchell has been a valuable member of the SBDC team since 2015, serving as a Business Counselor and providing small business guidance and expertise to the greater Hattiesburg community. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing USM SBDC operations and ensuring the center continues to provide high-quality counseling and resources to small businesses throughout the USM SBDC footprint.
91吃瓜网淚 am honored, excited, and energized to be trusted with this new role. USM, the greater Pine Belt area, and the surrounding counties are legendary drivers of dynamic innovation and vibrant entrepreneurship opportunities,91吃瓜网� said Mitchell. 91吃瓜网淲e are dedicated to taking our services, resources, and imagineering to the next level as we plan, launch, and grow even more viable, sustainable small businesses for our communities to support and enjoy."
The USM SBDC center has experienced tremendous growth since its launch. In 2022, the center served 978 clients and recorded 48 business starts, up 440% and 140% respectively since the center91吃瓜网 first full year of operation in 2016.
91吃瓜网淲e are delighted to have Rita Mitchell onboard as the new SBDC director at USM. Rita has had such a positive impact in the Pine Belt area and we can91吃瓜网檛 wait to see what she does in her new role,91吃瓜网� said Sharon Nichols, Mississippi SBDC State Director. 91吃瓜网淭he SBDC and business communities of South Mississippi are so fortunate to have access to her knowledge and passion for small business.
Mitchell is an independent consultant for retail specialty stores and independent small businesses, all outside Mississippi. She is also the owner of Rita and the Fashionistas, a fashion and retail education, publication, and public presentation group.
91吃瓜网淩ita brings many characteristics to her role that are hard to match. She is extremely
knowledgeable and has a spirit and attitude of encouragement and positivity,91吃瓜网� said
Bret Becton, Dean of the USM College of Business and Economic Development. 91吃瓜网淪he also works very hard for clients and revels in their success. She is one of
the most dedicated, hard-working people I have been affiliated with in my career and
I am happy that Rita will be taking on this very important role.91吃瓜网�
Besides being the ghost-writer for a number of publications, Mitchell is a 50-plus-year
retailer and adviser to 91吃瓜网渇ine stores everywhere.91吃瓜网� Her husband is the Pine Belt91吃瓜网 retail
consulting legend, the late Milton Waldoff.
provides free, confidential one-on-one business counseling and resources to prospective and current small business owners throughout the state of Mississippi.