The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of SEMO’s division of Economic and Workforce Development, focused on aligning workforce and non-credit training programs with academic, industry, and public sector needs.

Pallesen will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the SBDC program offered throughout a 19-county service area. This includes providing business assistance through one-on-one counseling, educational programs, and business resources that help businesses start or grow. Pallesen is a native of Denmark, having moved to Cape Girardeau in 2007 to attend SEMO. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a major in integrated marketing communications and a Master of Business Administration.

“I am excited to be serving the region’s small businesses again. The entrepreneurs and business leaders we have throughout Southeast Missouri are amazing people. The more support and resources we can add to assist them in growing and succeeding, the better off the entire region is,” said Pallesen.

He is a Certified Global Business Professional, Certified Growthwheel Advisor, and Certified Blue Mesa Coach. Pallesen serves on the Economic Vitality Committee with Old Town Cape and is a board member of the Walks Foundation.

About the Small Business Development Center: The Missouri SBDC is a lead program of the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program (BDP), a statewide network which helps businesses succeed in every stage from concept to startup, growth to renewal, maturity to succession through a variety of programs. MO SBDC counselors are located statewide, providing education and individualized assistance on a variety of issues. For more on the BDP, please visit missouribusiness.net or contact Jakob Pallesen at jpallesen@semo.edu or (573) 651-5156.