By Michael Parker

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 8, 2024) — The Capital Region’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at the University at Albany’s ETEC complex, has named small business owner and 2023 Massry School of Business alum Jesse Holland as Entrepreneur in Residence for its Small Enterprise Economic Development (SEED) Program.

The SEED program is a character-based loan fund developed in a partnership between Broadview Federal Credit Union, UAlbany’s Small Business Development Center, the Massry School of Business and School of Social Welfare. The program provides  loans up to $35,000 for start-up and expanding businesses in the Capital Region and western New York.

The Entrepreneur in Residence position within the SEED program aims to provide aspiring and current entrepreneurs in the Capital Region with vital resources to kick start and expand their businesses. Holland will be tasked with mentoring both SEED program participants and their UAlbany MBA student advisors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jesse Holland back to UAlbany as our 2024 Entrepreneur in Residence within the SEED program,” said Massry School of Business Interim Dean Kevin Williams. “Mr. Holland has showcased a profound dedication to advancing an important industry sector and sharing his knowledge with entrepreneurially oriented individuals around the globe. He will be a valuable resource of insight and information.”

With more than 35 years of prominence in the real estate industry, Holland is the president and founder of Sunrise Management & Consulting. He is a licensed real estate broker in multiple states and a certified property manager in Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), where he has also held various leadership positions.

He has been an industry leader throughout his career, by focusing on the growth and success of his team, improving neighborhoods by repositioning, and improving properties. Some of the most transformative projects have included the conversion of the former Draper School in Rotterdam into 111 apartments, and the development of Van Allen Apartments in North Greenbush – the area’s first “pet welcoming” community allowing all breeds of dogs. Notably, Sunrise has created the Sunrise Solars Coworking in Latham as a boutique coworking space focused on small and entrepreneurial businesses.

“We are fortunate to have Jesse Holland as our Entrepreneur in Residence within the SEED program,” said Bill Wales, Standish Chair in Entrepreneurship and associate dean for research at the Massry School of Business. “He brings tremendous experience to the program as both a former SEED consultant within the University at Albany MBA program, and from his efforts to help local entrepreneurs through a number of initiatives, including Sunrise Solars Coworking.”

The SEED program, led by Wales and SBDC Director Kate Baker, helps individuals by providing startup and expansion funds for their small businesses. Selection for participation in the program and loan awards is based on the applicant’s character and business concept. Since the inception of the program, the program has assisted over 150 potential entrepreneurs and approved more than $3.5 million in character-based loans.

Participants in the SEED program receive comprehensive support, including business model development and skill enhancement. They also benefit from the expertise of professors and MBA student consultants from the Massry School of Business, ensuring a well-rounded and nurturing environment for business growth.