Ray Ann Kilen, Regional Director of the ND Small Business Development Center and CEO of Innovative Environmental Consultants, Inc, has been named the SBA’s 2011 North Dakota Women in Business Champion of the Year. This annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to support the advancement of women’s business ownership. Kilen was selected after a statewide competition. The regional SBDC office is located in the Strom Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. As a Certified Women Business Owner, Kilen knows first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities that women business owners face.

As the Southwest Regional Director for the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, Kilen shares her business experiences to assist other business owners with business plans, financial plan development targeted to result in higher return on financing with lenders, DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise designations, and registrations with state and federal contracting programs to increase market opportunities.

A firm believer in the importance and effectiveness of networking, her efforts have resulted in many collaborative opportunities for women-owned businesses including community projects such as Ladies Night Out and the MasterMinds Women Business Ownership Network – a program designed to improve business performance through educational programming and networking opportunities.
Outside of regular business duties, Kilen participates in and presents at many events including Marketplace for Kids, Business Challenge, American Association of University Women events, and other venues where young women are introduced to business ownership.

In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. This year it is May 16-20, 2011. Leading up to that week, the U.S. Small Business Administration presents awards honoring the nation’s entrepreneurs and small business champions.