National Electrical Contractors Association honors small business advocate and instructor.
The National Electrical Contractors Association celebrated San Diego and Imperial small business teacher as well as leader Cheryl Brown at their annual gala last weekend with the association’s most prominent award.
Brown, nominated by a number of small business electrical contractors who are her clients, attended the gala and remarked, “I am truly humbled.” Those who have worked with her as well as spoke at the event shared how Brown has been a champion for them, part of their team — motivating them, sharing new ideas, giving it to them straight when needed and using her boundless energy for them.
When Entrepreneurs Are Supported
“She’s always gone above and beyond with myself and others in the small business community,” said Brown client and successful electrical contractor Joshua Middleton at the ceremony. “She has a sincere passion for her work. And under her guidance, I have both grown professionally and personally with her partnership.”
An entrepreneur as well, Brown is an advisor with the North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is part of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network. She specializes in advising businesses on government contracting and has been doing so with the North San Diego SBDC for 15 years. She’s counseled over 3,000 small businesses, resulting in over $7M in awarded contracts. The mother of four boys joked at the event, “Who gets involved with government contracting as a hobby?” But she shared how she honestly loves what she does as well as her unique knowledge and skillset.
“Helping small businesses achieve their goals, helping them create better lifestyles with their families,” she said, is her personal mission. “This has just been an extraordinary run.”
A Big Small Business Asset for the Region
Brown has a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and an MBA. She was awarded the Forbes School of Business and Technology Entrepreneurship Scholarship. She’s also a certified Small Business Consultant from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants among other certifications and academic achievements. She was awarded the 2018 SBA District Director’s Award for Mission Support, 2012 ASBDC State Star for the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network, the 2010 SBA Women in Business Champion, as well as has earned certificates of recognition from senators, members of congress, assembly members, and San Diego County supervisors.
The nationwide electrical contractors association stated on the award that the Electrical Industry Partnership Award for 2022 goes to Brown for her continued commitment in supporting new and current NECA small contractors with her professional guidance and valuable insights.
“If you’re a business working with Cheryl, you’re getting the best of the best,” said Daniel Fitzgerald, director of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network. “She takes something that is complicated and guides you to success. She is a tremendous business advisor, and her expertise is arguably second to none. Cheryl Brown is one of our greatest assets in the region for small businesses, whether you’re wanting to contract with the government or large corporations, or don’t know it yet.”
About the SBDC
The SBDC exists to help small businesses at no charge. Entrepreneurs can reach out to get assigned a business advisor, who works with small business owners one-on-one and at no cost. Visit SDIVSBDC.org/advising to access an advisor or call (619) 482-6391 if needed. The SBDC website also has other information available such as free or discounted business resources and tools, live online workshops and on-demand training.
