Sparkill, NY – St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) marked a major milestone with the grand opening of the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on its campus. The March 6 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated a new partnership aimed at fostering economic growth, supporting small businesses, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students.
With this addition, STAC becomes one of only two private institutions in New York State to serve as a host site for an SBDC—an honor typically reserved for CUNY and SUNY campuses. The Center will offer no-cost, confidential business advisement, training, and research services to entrepreneurs across Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam counties.
The event brought together local business owners, government officials, students, and faculty to recognize the impact of this partnership on the regional economy and education. Notable speakers included:
- New York SBDC State Director Sonya Smith
- Rockland County Executive Ed Day
- Lower Hudson Valley SBDC Regional Director Louis Scamardella
- STAC President Ken Daly and Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Mike DiBartolomeo
During the ceremony, County Executive Ed Day officially declared March 6, 2025, as “Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center at St. Thomas Aquinas College Day” and presented the group with a formal proclamation.
“The grand opening marks a momentous new chapter for St. Thomas Aquinas College and the small businesses in our region,” said President Ken Daly. “By hosting the SBDC, we are deepening our mission to support workforce development, foster entrepreneurship, and provide hands-on experiences for our students. I am delighted that several of our students and alumni have already been hired by SBDC.”
The Lower Hudson Valley SBDC has already made a significant impact. In 2024 alone, it served nearly 570 clients and helped facilitate over $7.8 million in capital for small businesses. With its new location at STAC, the Center will further strengthen connections between entrepreneurs and students, providing:
- Internships and cooperative education programs
- Entrepreneurial resources and training
- Direct exposure to business development and operations
“The commitment of St. Thomas Aquinas College to hosting an SBDC underscores what we all know to be true: great things happen when education and entrepreneurship come together,” said Sonya Smith, New York SBDC State Director. “By welcoming the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, the College joins a distinguished network of institutions that serve as launching points for growth and opportunity.”
With the ribbon officially cut and the SBDC sign unveiled, the new Center represents a long-term investment in economic development and workforce readiness. The partnership is expected to enhance business success, empower students, and strengthen the Hudson Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For more information about the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, visit stac.edu/sbdc.