McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dean Day, center director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University, has been named the 2026 Louisiana SBDC State Star.
The State Star Award is one of the highest national honors within the America’s Small Business Development Center network. Each year, state directors select one SBDC professional from their state in recognition of exceptional performance, leadership and impact in supporting small businesses.
In 2025, Day helped launch 30 businesses, create 98 jobs and retain 43 jobs in southwest Louisiana. He also assisted clients in securing $4.3 million in capital and contributed to $3.1 million in sales growth.
Day was nominated by Bryan Greenwood, state director of the Louisiana SBDC network.
“Dean has quickly distinguished himself through his energy, initiative and commitment to the small businesses and communities he serves. His relationship-driven and results-oriented approach has strengthened client engagement and expanded the LSBDC’s reach throughout southwest Louisiana, particularly in rural communities,” Greenwood said.
Upon receiving word of his award, Day said, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I consider it a reflection of the incredible people I have the opportunity to work with and the entrepreneurs we serve.”
Day joined the LSBDC at McNeese in 2022. In 2024, he received the LSBDC network’s Rising Star Award and was promoted to center director in 2026. Located in the Henning SEED Center in Lake Charles, the LSBDC at McNeese provides no-cost, confidential business consultations and training to help entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses.
