[MERCED, CA] The Central California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Network has announced the appointing of Rick Leibowitz as the new Center Director for the UC Merced SBDC and Assistant Director of the Central CA SBDC Regional Network effective immediately. 

Leibowitz will oversee the operations of the UC Merced SBDC service center, which provides services to budding entrepreneurs and established small businesses within Merced and Mariposa counties. He will also have the unique role of supporting the Regional Director, Kurtis Clark, with managing the Central CA SBDC Regional Network as the Assistant Director.

“I can think of no one more qualified to lead the UC Merced SBDC, especially during this time of uncertainty,” said Clark. “Rick’s experience with disaster relief in previous roles will undoubtedly impact our community in a positive way.” 

“I look forward to working with the small business community in Merced and Mariposa counties,” said Leibowitz. “Kurt has established a strong foundation and I hope to expand our outreach services to prospective and existing small businesses.” 

Leibowitz has over 12 years of business advising experience, having worked for SBDC networks in Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, New York, and most recently held the position of Director of the SBDC in Oregon. 

Leibowitz earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and an MBA from Western Governor’s University. He has over 20 years of business ownership and executive team management experience in the manufacturing, professional services and hospitality industries. He has owned and operated 4 retail/wholesale bagel bakeries, a quick service restaurant, and a mobile disk jockey service in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Alaska. 

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About the SBDC 

The UC Merced SBDC is part of the Central CA SBDC Regional Network which encompasses 6 service centers that provide no-cost advising, training and market research to entrepreneurs. The SBDC is funded through a collaborative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a grant with the CA Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The Center and Region are hosted by the University of California, Merced. For more information visit www.CentralCaSBDC.com or contact Jennifer Butler at (209) 228-3506 or jbutler3@ucmerced.edu.