Jackson, Tenn. (Jan. 10, 2020) – Monique Merriweather, former dean of West Tennessee Business College and director of Neighborhood Services for the City of Jackson, was named director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. She replaces Ron Acree, who served as director from 2007 until his retirement in December.
“Small businesses are the economic backbone of Tennessee,” Merriweather said. “The mission of the TSBDC is to help businesses be successful, create jobs, prevent entrepreneurs’ dreams from becoming ‘nightmares’ and enable them to become good corporate citizens.”
Funded by Jackson State Community College and the Small Business Administration, the center provides start-ups and existing small business owners with advice and suggestions to develop an effective and profitable business plan. The center’s service area covers nine counties and offers free and confidential counseling to area chambers of commerce, their members and the public.
Merriweather’s office is at the Jackson Chamber, 197 Auditorium St., in downtown Jackson.
Merriweather also worked as a court case manager before her roles with the city and West Tennessee Business College.
She has a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Bethel University. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources, and she is certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Diversity in the Workplace. She is also a licensed foster parent.
Merriweather looks forward to her new role with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. “Helping others succeed is what makes my day,” she said.
