SBA Seattle District Office 2013 Washington Veterans Small Business Champion

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2013 Washington State Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year is Giselle Saguid. 

Previously the Program Director of the Northwest Washington Women’s Business Center (NWWBC) located in Everett, Wash., she has spent years teaching entrepreneurial classes as part of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Transition Assistance Program at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Air Station Everett. I am honored to be recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2013 Washington State Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year, Saguid said.

Saguid, who lives in Marysville, Wash., has worked with the Department of the Navy, surrounding cities, counties, lending partners and other local, state and federal resources to provide the small business services Veterans need. Saguid also supported Veterans’ spouses who focus on transferrable businesses while part of the military. She has volunteered countless hours to help train and educate Veterans on the transition from service member to business owner, said SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings.

Besides working with active duty Sailors and other service members, Saguid organized workshops solely focused on Veterans and their needs. In total, she delivered more than 100 entrepreneurial classes and workshops to Veterans in Snohomish, Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. I tried to give them information that will be beneficial to them in their new lives that is satisfying and helps take care of their families, Saguid said.

From amongst her peers, the SBA Seattle District Office has chosen Saguid as the best champion for Veterans. Giselle Saguid has been devoted to Washington state service members and Veterans for more than six years, said SBA Seattle District Office Director Nancy Porzio. Her dedication and commitment to helping America’s heroes is evident.

Saguid and other Washington state SBA award recipients will be recognized for their achievements at the 2013 SBA Annual Small Business Awards Gala Thursday at the Museum of Flight. 

For more information about Saguid, call (206) 324-4330 Extension 123 or email giselles@seattleccd.com. For more information about SBA or the SBA Annual Small Business Awards Gala, call (206) 553-7310 or email lorin.smith@sba.gov.