- South-West Texas Border SBDC Network
- Awards
The Texas South-West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network proudly announced Maricela Brown as the recipient of the 2025 State Star Award. Brown will be honored on September 2, 2025 at the 46th Annual America's SBDC Conference in Orlando, where she will be recognized alongside top business advisors from across the nation.
SBDC Business Advisors from throughout South, Central and West Texas compete annually for the SBDC State Star Award. In the Texas South-West Network, ten field SBDCs nominate their top advisor based on economic development goals such as client-attributed job creation and retention, business start-ups and expansions, capital access, the advisor’s productivity and the number of long-term clients served.
A dedicated champion of small business success, Brown has been with the Sul Ross State University International Small Business Development Center for 24 years. Over the past seven years as a Senior Business Advisor, she has been instrumental in guiding small businesses to success. In 2024, she assisted over 155 clients, resulting in 41 new businesses, 14 expansions, 227 new jobs created and 155 jobs retained. She also played a critical role in securing over $10 million in capital for her clients.
Brown has earned the second level in the Certified Business Advisor Program of the Texas South-West SBDC Network. She was named the Eagle Pass Advocate of the Year, a community-wide award, in 2013. Brown has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the challenges of starting, growing and scaling their companies. She provides customized solutions that empower businesses to thrive, from financial planning to marketing strategies.
With experience across a diverse range of industries — including the food industry, transportation, retail, entertainment and various service sectors — Brown specializes in understanding the unique needs of small businesses. Her hands-on approach and expertise in business development, financial management and market expansion have enabled her clients to maximize profitability and achieve sustainable growth.
Brown holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Sul Ross State University. Outside of her work as a business advisor, she has pursued her passion for fashion by launching her own online fashion shop, River Lace Boutique. Additionally, she is now a certified insurance agent through the Texas Department of Insurance, helping individuals, families and businesses protect what matters most. She believes that insurance isn’t just about policies — it’s about providing peace of mind.
“The Texas Southwest SBDC Network is pleased to recognize Maricela Brown, senior business advisor with the Sul Ross State University International SBDC, as its 2025 State Star,” said Cliff Paredes, executive director of the Texas South-West SBDC Network. “The State Star Award recognizes the highest-performing Business Advisor in the 79-county Texas Southwest SBDC Network and is a very competitive and prestigious award. Maricela Brown is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate senior business advisor dedicated to helping her clients create measurable and impactful results throughout their business life.”
For more information about the Texas South-West SBDC Network and its commitment to supporting small businesses, visit txsbdc.org.