Effective Strategic Planning for your SBDC Network

We have guided SBDC networks since 2017

Strategic Plan Development

As our cornerstone service we support networks with a highly effective strategic planning process that aligns with accreditation.

Strategic Execution & Implementation

We provide a proven process for execution of strategic plans that aligns capacity, resource allocation and performance measures to support successful implementation.

Ongoing Progress & Process Consulting

Our services include guidance for SBDC network leaders as they adapt to changing circumstances and build new systems, and serve as an accountability partner to transform their network.

Ecosystem & Partner Development

We provide a structured, strategic framework focused on identifying, prioritizing, and stewarding mutually beneficial partnerships that directly advance mission and strategic goals.

SBDC Insight & Experience

A recognized leader in the ASBDC community, Alison Hart brings a unique perspective to SBDC networks. Her background spans a full spectrum of experience—as a consultant for networks around the country, a partner as a Chamber CEO, and a client as a small business owner.

A frequent presenter, Alison has shared her expertise at ASBDC national conferences in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, and is slated to present again in 2026.

  • "The NH SBDC has been fortunate to partner with Alison Hart of A. Hart Associates to guide the development of our three-year strategic plan. Alison brought exceptional leadership, clarity, and structure to a complex process. She skillfully gathered and synthesized input from both our staff and external partners, ensuring the final plan reflects a shared vision and strong team alignment. Alison’s facilitation fostered meaningful collaboration and with her guidance we were able to translate our goals and ideas into a clear, actionable strategy. As an accredited member of our national association, America’s SBDC, Alison encouraged us to align our strategic priorities with the national SBDC program accreditation standards to strengthen both our organizational direction and long-term sustainability. Alison's professionalism, insight, and collaborative approach made her an invaluable partner. We highly recommend Alison Hart and A. Hart Associates to any organization seeking effective, results-driven strategic planning support."

    Liz Gray, State Director, SBDC NH

  • “Working with A.Hart Associates has been an exceptional experience. Alison is not only an expert in organizational development and strategic planning, she brings a unique, engaging style that transforms the process entirely. Her approach ensures that every voice in the room is heard and valued, creating an environment where participants feel genuinely invested and inspired to contribute. This is not a passive planning exercise, it’s a hands-on, reflective, and energizing experience. Through her facilitation, you gain new perspectives not only on strategic planning itself, but on your organization’s purpose, your colleagues, your own role, and the broader community and stakeholders you serve. Alison’s work leaves a lasting impact, aligning people, purpose, and strategy in ways that drive clarity, connection, and momentum.”

    Sonya Smith, State Director, SBDC NY

  • “Alison is incredibly gifted at leading groups of stakeholders through complex processes. She ensures that everyone is heard and included while maintaining forward progress toward group alignment and consensus. She helped us prioritize our efforts and hone in on a strategic plan that is ambitious, yet achievable. We are already on track to achieve our most critical goals thanks to her insights and guidance.”

    Mark Gregory, State Director, SBDC OR

  • "Alison has played a pivotal role in the success of our strategic planning project. From the outset, her leadership set a clear and inspiring direction, ensuring that all team members understood both the scope of the project and the broader vision. Her deep expertise in the industry, paired with a nuanced understanding of best practices and required standards, brought a level of professionalism that enhanced every stage of the process. Her exceptional ability to create a collaborative environment where all voices were heard was a standout feature of her approach. She actively promoted open communication and ensured that feedback from all stakeholders—regardless of their role or background—was equally valued. This inclusive approach not only elevated the quality and comprehensiveness of the plan, but also strengthened the team's cohesion and commitment to the project. Alison’s ability to blend strategic insight with a genuine dedication to equity and teamwork makes her an exceptional consultant. She is the thoughtful, skilled, and inspiring leader that we needed to collectively move our organization forward and into the future. --- Five Stars!"

    Tiffany Ford, State Director, SBDC ND

  • “Our SBDC network chose to work with Alison during our strategic planning process because of both her extensive SBDC experience and her facilitation style. From the beginning, Alison was easy to work with and genuinely wanted to understand what our network was trying to accomplish. We were working with a limited budget, and she helped us put together an approach that focused on the areas where we needed the most support. Early in the process, we shared our vision for what we wanted our strategic plan to look like. While it wasn't her typical format, Alison embraced our ideas, adapted her process, and kept us moving in the direction we wanted to go without ever making it feel like we were forcing something that didn't fit. During our planning session with our center directors, Alison challenged us to think differently, questioned assumptions we had carried through previous strategic plans, and kept the conversations productive and engaging. Many of our directors, most of whom have participated in at least two previous strategic planning efforts, said this was by far the best strategic planning experience they had been part of. After the session, Alison provided clear documentation and thoughtful insights that helped us finalize our implementation plan. Even after her work with us was complete, she continued to check in, answer questions, and celebrate our progress. That level of follow-up says a great deal about how much she cares about the organizations she works with and the relationships she builds. Most importantly, we ended the process with a strategic plan that our team truly owns—not one that sits on a shelf, but one that continues to guide our priorities, decisions, and work across the network.”

    Kayla Miller, Former Associate State Director, SBDC TN

  • “Working with Alison during our strategic planning process was a truly positive experience. She has an impressive ability to connect with staff at all levels, creating a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere that made everyone feel heard and valued. Her knowledge of the ASBDC Accreditation process provided valuable insights that informed our strategic efforts. This understanding, combined with her industry expertise, strengthened our overall planning approach. Throughout the process, she was a reliable and insightful partner to the leadership team. Her strategic thinking, along with her approachable and supportive style, helped us confidently move forward in making key decisions."

    Marnie Schuschke, Associate State Director, SBDC ND

SBDCs we have served

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