Barbara Sedgwick-Billimoria

Barbara Sedgwick-Billimoria, international trade and small business consultant for the Southwestern College Small Business Development & International Trade Center, is the SBA’s Women in Business Champion of the Year for 2008. Sedgwick-Billimoria, who has held the position since 2003, advises San Diego businesses on all aspects of international trade and domestic issues and her work has translated into hundreds of permanent jobs in the county.

Sedgwick-Billimoria is owner of a home-based international trade business, which she says has enhanced her expertise. "Owning my own business for many years provided me with first-hand experience and knowledge as to the challenges and opportunities of owning a business," she says. "Based on my experience, I can predict the problems and opportunities that my clients will face."

"Through her personal efforts, Barbara has been instrumental in assisting women achieve their business goal with a blend of business advice and personal involvement," says Gustavo Guerrero, international trade specialist with the Southwestern College Small Business Development & International Trade Center. "Over the past year I have personally witnessed her assistance to at least eight business women owners from the basic business concept stage to the actual opening of their businesses. She was also personally involved in the development of their business plans, loan packaging, opening activities and short- and long-term planning to minimize chances of business failure."

The SBA also will present the Small Business Supplier of the Year award to Hillcrest Stationers Inc., which is owned by Terry and Susan Hastings. The George P. Chandler Award will go to the San Diego and Imperial Counties SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) headed by Debbie Trujillo.