The Future-Ready SBDC: AI, Advocacy, and the Mississippi Model

In our season seven opener, host David Ponraj, CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst, sits down with Sharon Nichols (State Director) and Derek Stephens (Assistant State Director) of the Mississippi SBDC Network to explore how one of the country's most forward-thinking SBDC networks is embracing AI and technology to deepen their impact on small business owners. The conversation covers the evolution of their tech infrastructure, the irreplaceable role of the human business counselor in an AI-driven world, their journey with EIC's Catalyzer platform, and a vision for what the SBDC of the future looks like. Sharon and Derek also share powerful client success stories, including a Pearl River County manufacturer approaching $1M in export sales and Mississippi's SBA Small Business Person of the Year, that illustrate why this work matters. The episode closes with a forward look at 2026, including the Mississippi SBDC Network's accelerator launch, statewide pitch competition, and the expanding network of community-embedded entrepreneurial support.

Guests:

• Sharon Nichols — State Director, Mississippi SBDC Network
• Derek Stephens — Assistant State Director, Mississippi SBDC Network; oversees program communications, strategic partnerships, tech strategy, and special projects

Host: David Ponraj, Founder & CEO, Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC)

Rise Center at Ole Miss: https://www.mississippisbdc.org/rise