David Watkins

David Watkins is the State Director for the Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a program of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The Indiana SBDC provides expert guidance and resources on how to start and grow a business, creating a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth and sustainability of Indiana's small businesses. In 2020, the Indiana SBDC served over 5,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses - helping secure over $100 million in capital, assisting in the creation of over 300 new business, and supporting 24,000+ Hoosier jobs. As State Director, David oversees the operation and activities of 70 team members across 10 SBDC offices which provide technical assistance programming and development services to Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses. David previously served as the Associate State Director and Director of Operations for the Indiana SBDC. Prior to joining the IEDC, David worked in university international affairs and global operations. David has an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the Lacy School of Business at Butler University and a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. David and his wife live in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood in Indianapolis and enjoy hiking and traveling.