Welcome to your Southwest Idaho Small Business Development Center

Marie joined the SBDC in March of 2019 and is passionate about entrepreneurs and their journey. Marie’s skill set is the ability to work collaboratively and assist clients with achieving their goals.

Marie received her BS in Business from Fresno State and Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from University of San Francisco. Marie spent five years in banking before starting her own business.

Combining her education and experience, Marie went on to consult,
coach, and educate small businesses in the Central Valley of California before moving to Idaho.

In her spare time, you will find her hiking, volunteering on a local Rotary project, visiting family, or enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and dog.

Debbie joined the Idaho SBDC in February 2008. Her prior work experience includes the role of Business Improvement Consultant with Boise Business Consulting, a family owned business. Prior to working in the family business, Debbie was Senior Vice President and Manager of National Consumer Training and Associate Development for Bank of America.

In addition, Debbie was Vice President and Manager of Business Banking for First Republic Bank, and Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Commercial Banking Group, for First Republic Bank (a predecessor of Bank of America). Debbie is a graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

Kim started with the Idaho SBDC in 1998 as the regional administrative assistant as she pursued her degree. After several years, she took over the training program and turned it from an underperforming, deficit program to an award-winning program with a surplus budget. Over the years, she has designed curriculum and taught classes on a variety of business and technology topics. She planned and executed a rural outreach program that caught the eye of Google and was featured in a video for their Get Your Business Online program.

In 2012, she became a business consultant with a focus on online marketing, social media strategies, graphic and web design, as well as franchises and startups. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided countless clients in enhancing their online presence leading to business growth. She has assisted clients with startups and franchises, facilitated funding opportunities, and assisted in the recruitment and retainment of employees as well as devised innovative strategies to manage a small business. She has recently passed the $5 million mark in client revenue generation.

She holds a B.A. in Graphic Design from Boise State University as well as a Credential of Readiness Harvard Business School CORe. She has been a High Impact Partner for the Grow with Google program for multiple years.

Marissa has worked for the Idaho SBDC for 16 years. She recently took on a new role as a Region 3 Management Assistant and Training Coordinator. Marissa is currently going back to school to get her Bachelor of Accountancy.

Ruth Schwartz joined the Idaho SBDC in March of 2020, She has been a life-long entrepreneur and business owner. She spent 25 years in the music industry: radio, publishing, producing, retail.

Most notably, Ruth started, built and sold a $10 million, wholesale, music, distribution company. She has owned and operated a leadership training and coaching company, a debt collection company and an Amazon store.

Ruth is a Professionally Certified Business Leadership Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) through the National Development Conference and is the author of the book, The Key to the Golden Handcuffs: Stop Being a Slave to Your Business. She is certified in over four assessment sciences and the creator of the Fail Proof Hiring Program. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and a member of the National Speakers’ Association.

Hailing from the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, Ruth taught at the Sierra Commons Business Incubator and became a consultant with the California SBDC before her move to Idaho in 2017.

Deborah Dickerson brings nearly 20 years of experience in project management across diverse industries, spanning both the private and public sectors. She holds an MBA in Sustainable Business and has completed advanced leadership training through Landmark Worldwide. Based in Sandpoint, Idaho, Deborah is deeply committed to the growth and vitality of her local business community.

For eight years, she served as a consultant with Spokane’s Women’s Business Center, where she supported startups with financial projections and digital marketing. A former partner in a digital marketing firm, she spent two years building the business.

Deborah is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and insights needed to build sustainable, thriving businesses. She combines practical expertise with a genuine dedication to empowering local business owners.

Outside of work, Deborah enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, and paddling in the beautiful surroundings of Sandpoint. She is also actively involved in her church community.