Mitchell was appointed director of the USM Small Business Development Center

03/16/2023 – 10:17 am | By: Bailey Harris

The Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced the promotion of Rita Mitchell to the position of Director of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) SBDC Center.

Mitchell has been a valuable member of the SBDC team since 2015, serving as a business consultant and providing small business guidance and expertise to the greater Hattiesburg community. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing USM SBDC operations and ensuring the center continues to provide high-quality counseling and resources to small businesses within the USM SBDC footprint.

“I am honored, excited and energized to be entrusted with this new role. USM, the greater Pine Belt area, and surrounding counties are prime drivers of dynamic innovation and vibrant entrepreneurship opportunities,” Mitchell said. We are committed to taking our services, resources and imagination to the next level as we plan, launch and grow more viable, sustainable small businesses to support and delight our communities.

The USMS SBCC Center has grown tremendously since its inception. In the year In 2022, the center served 978 customers and registered 48 businesses, which is a 440% and 140% increase, respectively, since the center began operations in 2016.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rita Mitchell as the new SBDC Director at USM. Rita has made such a positive impact in the Pine Belt area and we can’t wait to see what she does in her new role,” said Mississippi SBDC State Director Sharon Nichols. “South Mississippi’s SBDC and business communities are very fortunate to have her knowledge and passion for small business.

Mitchell is an independent consultant to retail specialty stores and independent small businesses, all outside of Mississippi. She is also the owner of Rita & Fashionistas, a fashion and retail education, publishing and public presentation group.

“Rita brings many qualities to the role that are difficult to match. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a spirit and attitude of encouragement and positivity.” said Brett Becton, dean of USM’s College of Business and Economic Development. She works extremely hard for clients and delights in their success. She is one of the most dedicated and hardworking people I have worked with in my career and I am excited to have Rita in this important role.

In addition to being a ghostwriter for several publications, Mitchell is a 50-year retailer and consultant to “Good Stores Everywhere.” Her husband is Pine Belt retail consulting legend, the late Milton Waldoff.

The Mississippi SBDC offers free, confidential, one-on-one business advice and resources to existing and current small business owners in the state of Mississippi.