SPOKANE, Wash. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces the promotion of Joel Nania to branch manager for the SBA Spokane Branch Office which serves the Inland Northwest – eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
The SBA Seattle District Office has two locations in Seattle and Spokane which together cover most of Washington and the 10 most northern counties of Idaho. In his new role as branch manager, Nania plays a part in supervising SBA activities and connecting current and aspiring entrepreneurs with resources to start, grow, expand and recover their businesses throughout the respective region.
“As the Inland Northwest continues to grow, we need strong and effective leadership to continue to support this dynamic region,” SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd said. “We are fortunate to have someone of Joel’s caliber and executive business experience to step into this role.”
Nania has been with the SBA Spokane Branch as an economic development specialist since 2013. During the past five years he has focused on marketing, outreach, small business counseling and the promotion of SBA lending and lender relations. Nania also conducted small business seminars for entrepreneurs and coordinated programs ranging from the Boots 2 Business veteran entrepreneur program to special youth initiatives for the Inland Northwest.
“I am really excited to be in this position for the SBA. Joining the SBA five years ago I had a great manager and co-worker, Ted Schinzel, who recently retired from a 27 career here. Ted’s guidance in my transition from private business to federal service was invaluable,” Nania said. “I am looking forward to applying my business experience and SBA background to help small businesses and continue to work to solidify our entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Inland Northwest.”
Prior to working for the SBA, Nania lead a successful 30 year career in business which culminated in 10 years as a business consultant working primarily with small closely held companies across a wide range of business types.
Joel is a Wisconsin native but has lived in the Inland Northwest since 1981. He received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. The SBA Spokane Branch Office serves eastern Washington and northern Idaho.