Staten Island SBDC stays busy at 2026 SIEDC Annual Business Conference

Staten Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Director Michael Anderson (red tie) poses after the Veteran panel with City Councilman Frank Morano, Staten Island Performing Provider System's Chris Dowling and Michael Matthews, new Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) Yesenia Mata, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the DVS, Nicole Orlando. (Photo courtesy of SIEDC)

The Staten Island Small Business Development Center (SBDC) had a strong and active presence across multiple sessions focused on small business growth, marketing, and community development during the 2026 SIEDC Annual Business Conference in late April.

In the morning, the Staten Island SBDC Regional Director Michael Anderson hosted the workshop, From Feedback to Loyalty: Turning Customer Insights into Growth, featuring guest speaker Shanette Gantt, Marketing Manager, Division of Economic Development and Community Partnerships at the College of Staten Island. This introductory marketing session focused on how small business owners can use feedback mechanisms to strengthen customer relationships and build lasting loyalty. The discussion emphasized practical strategies for improving customer retention and turning satisfied clients into brand advocates.

Later in the afternoon, Anderson contributed his expertise in small business support and economic development as a panelist in From Service to Success: Business and Support Pathways for Staten Island Veterans. Joining the panel included: new Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), Yesenia Mata; Director of Veterans Programs, Veterans Taskforce at Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS), Michael Matthews; and Social Care Network Advisor at SI PPS, Christopher Dowling. Deputy Chief of Staff for the DVS, Nicole Orlando, served as moderator. Together, they highlighted opportunities for veterans in entrepreneurship, certification, contracting, and workforce development, while connecting attendees to resources available across government, nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors.

The day wrapped up with Anderson attending the 2026 “20 Under 40” Leadership Awards, where several Staten Island SBDC clients and partners were recognized for their achievements and leadership contributions. Those included: Brittany Chadha (Northfield Bank), James Clinton (Office of Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon), Stephanie Coco (Steph's Creativity Corner), Brittany Marcinek (Richmond University Medical Center), Heather McCauley (Tekie Geek), Kelly Peterson (St. George Theatre), Antoun Sawires (Office of NYC Council Majority Whip and Council Member Kamillah Hanks), Sean Thatcher (College of Staten Island), and Ian Yanda (Office of NYS Assemblyman Michael Tannousis).

Overall, the Staten Island SBDC played an active and visible role throughout the conference by delivering educational programming and engaging in collaborative

discussions aimed at strengthening local businesses and supporting economic opportunity across the borough.

Shanette Gantt, Marketing Manager, Division of Economic Development and Community Partnerships at the College of Staten Island, and Michael Anderson, Staten Island SBDC Regional Director, pose after the workshop, From Feedback to Loyalty: Turning Customer Insights into Growth.