Byron Hicks’ entrepreneurial journey sparked early — selling Christmas cards and flower seeds door-to-door. At thirteen, he took on a newspaper route, learning the basics of business: managing deliveries, collecting payments, building relationships, and stretching the supplies he’d purchased from the Winston-Salem Journal. “It taught me the importance of understanding customer needs,” he reflects. “Back then, that meant a timely paper on their front porch.”
Building from these initial lessons, over three decades Hicks has cultivated a leadership philosophy that puts people first. Today, he applies this passion by fostering small businesses statewide while helping strengthen the overall U.S. small business ecosystem.
In his role as state executive director, Hicks leads North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). Established in 1984 and based at NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development (EAPED), the SBTDC offers no-cost management counseling and educational services to entrepreneurs, and operates 10 regional centers and 16 offices throughout North Carolina. In 2023 alone, the team served 5,783 businesses — contributing $194 million in capital formation, 325 new businesses started and 4,714 jobs created statewide.
Hicks’ impact extends beyond state borders, through his service as vice chair of the America’s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) Board of Directors.
“Byron has a natural talent for inspiring and developing strong teams,” says ASBDC Vice President April Youngblut. “We’re fortunate to have his leadership on our board; he’s been invaluable in helping advise the organization and navigate complex challenges. A genuine leader, Byron’s hands-on approach has been key in shaping nationwide best practices.”
The ASBDC, which represents the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers, works closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Congress and other national partners to secure the vital support needed to serve millions of small businesses each year. Annual results highlight this impact: $6 billion in capital formation, more than 15,000 new businesses started and nearly 66,000 jobs created.
Before joining the SBTDC 14 years ago, the Elon University–alumnus honed his skills working in commercial banking and as the owner of a North Carolina grading and utility contractor company. Read on to learn more about Hicks’ leadership journey, and how his dedication to small businesses continues to further local communities.
What leadership lessons have shaped your career?
Strong processes are essential for any organization, but people are the true driving force. Every person has a “why” — what motivates them, what inspires their best performance. As a leader, understanding the team’s “why” and harnessing a culture that supports it has been one of my most significant lessons.
I believe effective organizations are rooted in integrity; building trust is foundational and requires consistent communication. Leadership must also be open to new ideas to evolve and continue innovating.
Looking back, an early experience taught me the value of perseverance and opportunity. When I was sixteen, feeling too old to be a paperboy, I began visiting businesses I wanted to work for. After being turned down by a few, I was hired by Conrad West at Bocock Stroud, a locally owned sporting goods store. What started as selling tennis shoes and jackets, through hard work eventually led to managing inventory and, finally, selling suits to business leaders.
Which career milestones are you most proud of?
I’m proud of my tenure with the SBTDC, and the opportunity to grow and lead a team that makes such an impact. Starting as a business counselor in 2011, I’ve worked my way up through roles as regional center manager, deputy state director, and now executive state director. Having served in nearly every position within the SBTDC, I bring elements from each to help identify the “why” for our team.
How would you describe the future of North Carolina’s small business landscape?
The future looks bright, driven by the ongoing development of resilient businesses. At the heart of this growth is a commitment to helping entrepreneurs embrace new technologies and ideas, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace. By fostering innovation and providing the resources needed to succeed, we can strengthen local economies and help create meaningful job opportunities.
This aligns with NC State’s land-grant mission, emphasizing practical solutions that serve communities and create economic growth. The university’s “Think and Do” approach supports the development of businesses that benefit not only our state but the broader economy as well.
This post was originally published in Partnership Portal.
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