America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa has named Austin Strawhacker as its new State Director. The appointment marks a new chapter for the statewide network that provides business support to entrepreneurs and small businesses across Iowa’s 99 counties.
Strawhacker steps into the role with more than six years of experience at Iowa SBDC, most recently serving as Associate State Director. His tenure has been defined by a focus on operational efficiency, data-driven performance strategies, and program innovation, particularly through leadership of the Federal and State Technology (FAST) program, which connects entrepreneurs with federal research and development funding.
Prior to that, Strawhacker held positions in regulatory data and compliance, contributing to the organization’s growth through meticulous tracking and performance management.
An alumnus of Grand View University, Strawhacker also holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Drake University. He currently chairs the Research and Data Committee for the Association of Small Business Development Centers and serves on the Iowa Rural Development Council. In 2022, he was named to the national ASBDC 40 Under 40 list.
Strawhacker succeeds Lisa Shimkat, who recently transitioned to a senior leadership role at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Under her guidance, Iowa SBDC expanded its national reputation and support for small businesses.
In his new role, Strawhacker will oversee a statewide network of 15 regional centers, continuing the organization’s mission to empower entrepreneurs, expand access to resources, and support economic development across the state.
America’s SBDC Iowa operates as an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. Since 1981, the program has provided confidential, no-cost business counseling and affordable training to thousands of Iowa small businesses.
