2026 State Star: Larkin Jones
The Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has selected Larkin Jones, Regional Manager for the Alabama SBDC at Auburn University, as Alabama’s 2026 State Star, the highest recognition for individual achievement within the national America’s SBDC network. The award honors SBDC professionals who demonstrate exemplary performance, make significant contributions to their network, and show a strong commitment to helping small businesses succeed.
Jones will be recognized alongside fellow State Star recipients from across the country during the America’s SBDC Professional Development Event in Atlanta at the end of September.
Over the past two years, Jones has made a significant impact on entrepreneurship and economic development across Alabama. Through one-on-one business advising and support, she has helped entrepreneurs launch nearly 40 new businesses, supported the creation of more than 110 jobs, and provided consulting services to more than 320 small business clients. Additionally, she has helped support the Network’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp initiative, serving companies throughout the state.
As Regional Manager for the Alabama SBDC at Auburn University, located within the New Venture Accelerator (NVA) at the Harbert College Business, Jones works closely with entrepreneurs and existing business owners, providing guidance on business planning, growth strategies, access to capital, and operational management. Her collaborative approach and passion for small business have earned her the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.
“Larkin Jones embodies Auburn’s land-grant mission of community engagement and economic advancement. Through her work with the Alabama SBDC, she connects entrepreneurs across the state with the resources, expertise, and guidance they need to succeed, helping launch new businesses, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. She’s an outstanding representative of the Harbert College’s mission to shape the future of business,” says Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Ph.D., Dean and Wells Fargo Professor of the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University.
“Helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses is incredibly rewarding,” said Jones. “I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated small business owners who are creating jobs and strengthening Alabama’s economy. As an Auburn alum, I’m proud to be part of the team helping our entrepreneurs to innovate, accelerate, and soar!”
“Larkin was invaluable during the process of opening the business and advising me years down the road. I could always reach out to her, and she made herself available to answer questions, brainstorm new avenues, and guide me in learning the best way to operate during Auburn University’s rush and bid day. I wouldn’t be here without Larkin,” says Kelley Heaton, who started The Gathered Gift in Auburn, AL, with SBDC assistance – and who has expanded to serve customers nationwide.
“Larkin represents the very best of what the Alabama SBDC Network strives to provide our state’s entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Michael Brooks, Associate State Director of the Alabama SBDC Network. “Her dedication to client success, commitment to excellence, and ability to help businesses navigate challenges and opportunities have created a lasting impact in the communities she serves.”
The State Star Award is presented annually by America’s SBDC, the nation’s largest small business assistance network, and recognizes one outstanding professional from each state network. State Stars are selected for their leadership, performance, and commitment to advancing small business success.
About the Alabama SBDC
The Alabama SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business consulting and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners through a statewide network of service centers. Alabama SBDC advisors help businesses start, grow, access capital, create jobs, and strengthen local economies across the state. Hosted by the University of Alabama – Division of Partnerships. Accredited member of America’s SBDC.
