Anne Inman, Accounting and Projection Clinic program manager and senior business consultant of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison, was chosen by her peers as the Wisconsin network’s 2024 State Star.
Inman was recognized for her commitment to SBDC’s mission, her financial management and market research expertise, and her leadership in establishing and managing the UW-Madison SBDC Accounting and Projections Clinic which engages the assistance of UW-Madison Wisconsin School of Business Accounting students in helping local entrepreneurs prepare to seek funding from commercial lending institutions.
“I am continually inspired by the creativity, enthusiasm, and entrepreneurial grit of the clients I am honored to serve through the SBDC,” said Inman. “It is deeply rewarding to help support economic growth in Wisconsin through our work, and especially fulfilling to help celebrate the many successes of our clients! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside many bright and passionate Wisconsin School of Business students and such a talented and dedicated team of professionals who make meaningful, lasting impacts on our clients, communities, and state economy every day. I am honored to be recognized by our Wisconsin SBDC network!”
In her award nomination, Inman was described as dedicated, professional, and inspiring. Anne’s curiosity is contagious, fostering collaboration at her center by assisting in development of innovative new programs like the Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections, which is a free, online, interactive course developed to assist entrepreneurs understand and gather inputs needed to create financial projections. The course was written for non-accountants and includes a customizable workbook and two case studies with full sample projections to aid in learning.
Inman’s work is highlighted by glowing reviews. In 2024, the Accounting and Projections Clinic Anne manages has helped clients prepare for commercial lending applications with combined projects over $13.9M in size and combined loan potential over $10.5M. Through her role with the clinic and beyond, in 2024 Anne has consulted with 47 clients and supported 145 jobs.
“Anne showcases her commitment to SBDC by innovating and collaborating to better serve Wisconsin small businesses,” said Ken Little, state SBDC director. “Amid her evolving responsibilities, she excelled at her usual duties – bringing her experience and expertise to every client she serves.”
“She sets a high bar for performance, refusing to settle for mediocrity and inspiring others to reach for the same standards,” said Michelle Somes-Booher, SBDC center director at UW-Madison. “She consistently gives her time to help others in the network, without seeking recognition or fanfare.”
The Wisconsin Small Business Development (SBDC) Network offers no-cost, confidential consulting and business education to new and existing businesses through 13 centers across the state. In 2023, the SBDC served 5,181 clients, resulting in $96.9 million in capital investment, 298 new businesses and 17,293 jobs supported.
The State Star award recognizes:
- Impact on clients
- Innovative approaches
- Team spirit
- Willingness to go the extra mile
The Wisconsin SBDC is a nationally accredited member of America’s SBDC, which traditionally honors State Stars each fall during its national conference. Past Wisconsin State Stars include David Stauffacher (2023, consultant, SBDC at UW-Green Bay); Harlie Juedes (2022, interim center director, SBDC at UW-Eau Claire); and Cheryl V. Mitchell (2021, center director, SBDC at UW-Milwaukee, posthumous honor).
Inman, a CPA, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.
Before joining the SBDC, Inman held accounting roles at Arthur Andersen & Co. and McDonalds Corporation and marketing insights and strategy roles at Information Resources Inc. and Kraft Foods. She also leveraged her entrepreneurial skills by founding Inman Marketing Solutions, her own market insight and strategy consulting practice, which she successfully ran for over 15 years prior to joining the SBDC.
About the Wisconsin SBDC
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a nationally accredited statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC is hosted by the Universities of Wisconsin within the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. www.wisconsinSBDC.org