Jim R. Henderson, who has served in the U.S. Small Business Administration as the lead economic advisor in the Fresno, California District Office, is the new Regional Advocate for the federal government’s Region VIII, covering Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. He will be the direct link between small business owners, state and local government’s agencies, state legislators, small business associations, and the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Most recently, Jim has served as the economic development specialist in the Fresno District Office and was responsible for all levels of loan training as well as serving as the Public Information Officer. In addition, he served with SBA as Public Affairs Specialist in South Florida and was responsible for producing the South Florida Small Business Resource Guide which later was adopted by most SBA District Offices as the primary marketing tool to reach small business.

Jim Henderson also served as a regional advocate with the Office of Advocacy from 1986 through 1993 and was a small businessman himself as the co-founder of the Rocky Mtn. Home-Based Business Association which served home-based businesses. Jim is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines and also holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska.

As a Regional Advocate, he will help identify new issues and concerns of small business owners. He also monitors the impact of federal and state policies on small business at the local level and works closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to develop programs and policies that help, rather than hinder, small business growth.