ABOUT the Longview SBDC

Our mission: To help new entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership and existing small businesses remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy.

The Longview SBDC is part of a nationwide network of a thousand centers dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and thrive. Texas SBDCs, which number over fifty in all, are funded by grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and a host college or university, in our case the University of Texas at Tyler. We provide business consulting and advising services free of charge to entrepreneurs and small businesses in order to foster local economic growth through entrepreneurial development, business starts, job growth and access to capital.

Our office is staffed by a director and business advisors who have started, owned and operated their own small businesses. We have the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities to help new entrepreneurs start a business and established small business owners grow and thrive.

Your SBDC TEAM

Day Shelmire
Director

Day Shelmire is the Director of the Longview Small Business Development Center. After earning an MBA from SMU, Mr. Shelmire became a career entrepreneur starting several successful small businesses in high tech, consulting, and food manufacturing. His areas of expertise include marketing and sales, management, manufacturing, and partnerships. Mr. Shelmire was appointed Director of the Longview Small Business Development Center in February of 2019. 

Virgel Conner
Sr. Business Advisor

Virgel Conner is the Senior Business Advisor of the Longview Small Business Development Center. Virgel earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. He has been with the Longview SBDC since May 2004 after owning several small businesses. In his long and illustrious career, Virgel has secured $114,209,694.00 in SBA and conventional funding for the entrepreneurs and small business owners in the North Texas SBDC region.

Brandy Flanagan
Business Advisor

Brandy Flanagan is a Business Advisor with the Longview Small Business Development Center. With a degree in business communications from UT Tyler, 20 years of successful entrepreneurship, and six years of community-based leadership, Ms. Flanagan joined the SBDC network in November of 2019. Her areas of expertise are niche marketing, management, and organizational development.

Melissa Cosper
Business Advisor

Melissa Cosper is a Business Advisor at the Longview Small Business Development Center. Her extensive experience and commitment to supporting small businesses spans a wide range of industries, reflecting her versatility and broad expertise. With a bachelor’s degree from LeTourneau University and a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and management; Melissa brings valuable insights into business development, marketing, operational management, and project management, making her a valuable resource for businesses aiming to grow and thrive.

Lindsay Arden
Office Manager

Lindsay Arden is the chief administrative assistant of the Longview Small Business Development Center. She earned her bachelor's degree from UT Permian Basin and has over 15 years of administrative and accounting experience. Lindsay has been with UT Tyler for eight years and is the recipient of the coveted UT Tyler Star Award. Lindsay is the face and voice that has welcomed Longview SBDC clients for the past five years.

GIVE US A CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN EXPERIENCED BUSINESS ADVISOR TODAY!