Debbie Collins is a Certified Business Advisor at the Santa Fe Branch of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She also coordinates the marketing and training activities of the center. Debbie joined the SBDC in 2006 following five years as Program Manager at the Santa Fe Business Incubator. With a 20-year career in commercial banking and SBA lending in Southern California (holding positions from teller to Vice President), she came well prepared to work with small businesses in New Mexico. Debbie provides assistance with budgeting, loan proposal packages, record keeping, banking, and financing as well as general coaching. Although not formally trained in PR, marketing, layout, and graphic design, she does have real world experience in these areas.
Debbie enjoys the challenge of working with many different types of businesses and finds it a good opportunity to learn even more from her clients, who she considers to be the experts in their respective fields. Debbie says, “I feel like I can really make a difference in my community with the work I am doing. Although owning my own business is not for me today, I have the skills to help others realize their dreams.”
Debbie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from the University of California at Irvine, CA. During her career, she attended trainings in business management, accounting, human resources, customer service, retirement plans, handling conflict, and marketing. Debbie has served on the loan committee for the Santa Fe Community Development Loan Fund and is past chair of the NMSBDC Statewide Marketing Council. She was also a member of the SFCC Red Dot Gallery Advisory Board. Debbie has been recognized as an Outstanding Supporter by the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and for Excellence in Partnering from the IRS Small Business Self-Employed Division.
When not at work, she can be found traveling the world, camping, or at home gardening.