MassMEP is pleased to announce that Kathie Mahoney, President, has been appointed to the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) statewide Advisory Council, a newly established group of business, government, economic development, and community leaders helping guide the future of small business support across the Commonwealth.
The Advisory Council was established as part of the MSBDC’s five-year strategic plan, which is focused on strengthening the organization’s ability to help entrepreneurs build and grow sustainable businesses that drive economic growth and innovation across Massachusetts.
“At MassMEP, we work with manufacturers every day and hear directly about the challenges they are facing, from workforce and technology to growth and competitiveness,” said Kathie Mahoney. “I’m looking forward to bringing that perspective to the Council and contributing to conversations about how we can better support businesses across Massachusetts.”
The statewide Council brings together CEOs, entrepreneurs, professional service providers, economic development partners, government leaders, and other key stakeholders. Members will provide strategic insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Massachusetts small businesses, identify opportunities for collaboration and new programming, and help ensure MSBDC programs and services continue to evolve alongside the needs of the business community.
“The strength of the MSBDC has always been rooted in our connection to the businesses and communities we serve,” said Paula Murphy, State Director of the MSBDC. “Our Advisory Council brings together an exceptional range of perspectives from across Massachusetts. Their experience and insight will help us think strategically about where small businesses are headed, where gaps and opportunities exist, and how the MSBDC can continue delivering meaningful impact throughout the Commonwealth.”
As a member of the Advisory Council, Mahoney will bring her experience in supporting small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout Massachusetts to discussions surrounding emerging issues affecting small businesses, opportunities for statewide collaboration, and initiatives designed to strengthen Massachusetts’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The inaugural meeting of the MSBDC Advisory Council will take place Friday, September 25, 2026, in Newton, Massachusetts.
About MassMEP
MassMEP is a trusted manufacturing advisor to clients in Massachusetts, helping manufacturers through three core service pillars: operational excellence programs, workforce development opportunities, and innovative growth strategies. As Massachusetts’ NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, MassMEP delivers consulting services, applied learning programs, and custom solutions tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses to fuel their success.
About the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) provides no-cost, confidential business advising and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Through its statewide network, the MSBDC helps businesses at every stage navigate challenges, identify opportunities, access resources, and build the strategies needed for sustainable growth.
The MSBDC’s statewide work is made possible through the support and collaboration of key public, academic, and private-sector stakeholders, including the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and Massachusetts Office of Business Development; a consortium of higher education institutions led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management; and a broad network of public and private partners. Representatives from several of these stakeholder organizations will also participate on the Advisory Council, bringing their perspectives and expertise to help inform and strengthen the MSBDC’s statewide efforts. Together, these relationships strengthen the MSBDC’s ability to connect Massachusetts entrepreneurs and small businesses with expertise, resources, and opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Media Contact
Sarah Mailhott
Digital Marketing and Outreach Manager
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
smailhott@msbdc.umass.edu
A partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development under cooperative agreement SBAOEDSB250134-02-00 through the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. SBDCs are a program supported by and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the United States. The U.S. Small Business Administration cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.