Sarah Kearns of Middlebury has been selected as the 2022 State Star of the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The award, bestowed annually and recognized nationally, celebrates a member of the organization’s team for exceptional commitment to small business success.
Kearns is a statewide adviser for strategic projects as well as the area business adviser for Addison County. She specializes in working with Vermont’s college-age entrepreneurs.
“Sarah is passionate about the VtSBDC mission and is a great advocate and representative for our organization,” said State Director Linda Rossi. “She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and has contributed to advancing our strategic priority of serving college-age Vermonters.”
Kearns has worked at the Vermont Small Business Development Center for more than a decade, starting as a consultant and becoming a full-time adviser in 2018. She comes from a family steeped in the creative economy, and previously had her own jewelry importing business. Her professional experience includes working in both large companies and startups.
“The State Star award is a great honor,” Kearns said. “Working with VtSBDC brings extraordinary rewards every day. Each new client is an opportunity to learn something new and to help someone get one step closer to their dream.”
Kearns will be honored at America’s Small Business Development Center national conference in San Diego in September.