What's Happening?
The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) has announced the addition of two new staff members: Tatiyana Graves and Kira Manuszak. Graves has been appointed as the Programs Manager, a newly created role designed to maintain institutional knowledge
for all active DSB programs. Her responsibilities will include ensuring program cycles proceed without interruption due to capacity issues and identifying opportunities for small businesses to expand across the state. Graves previously managed programs in Workforce Development and Community Education at Delaware Technical Community College. Manuszak joins the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) as the new Sports Tourism Coordinator. Her role involves attracting, managing, and retaining profitable sports-related business opportunities for Delaware, working closely with the Sports Sales Leader to promote the state's counties as destinations for regional, national, and international sporting events. Manuszak was formerly the Assistant Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Coach and Athletic Administrative Assistant at the University of Valley Forge.
Why It's Important?
These appointments are significant for Delaware's economic development and tourism sectors. Tatiyana Graves' role as Programs Manager will enhance the efficiency and continuity of DSB's initiatives, directly supporting the growth and scaling of small businesses throughout the state. This is crucial for fostering a robust local economy, creating jobs, and ensuring that entrepreneurial ventures have access to necessary resources. Kira Manuszak's position as Sports Tourism Coordinator is expected to boost Delaware's profile as a destination for sporting events. By attracting more sports-related business, the state can generate increased tourism revenue, support local hospitality industries, and create a positive economic ripple effect. Both roles aim to strengthen Delaware's business environment and attract external investment, contributing to the state's overall prosperity and competitiveness.
What's Next?
Tatiyana Graves will immediately begin working to streamline DSB's program operations, focusing on ensuring that small businesses can consistently access support and growth opportunities. Her efforts are expected to lead to more efficient program delivery and increased engagement with the small business community. Kira Manuszak will focus on building partnerships with sports organizations and promoting Delaware's counties as prime locations for various sporting events. This will involve outreach to national and international sports bodies, as well as developing marketing strategies to highlight the state's facilities and attractions. The DSB and DTO anticipate that these new roles will lead to tangible improvements in business support and tourism figures in the coming months and years, with a focus on measurable outcomes in small business growth and sports event bookings.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of these specialized roles reflects a strategic effort by Delaware to address specific economic and developmental needs. The Programs Manager position underscores a commitment to organizational resilience and knowledge retention, recognizing that consistent support is vital for the long-term success of small businesses. This proactive approach can serve as a model for other states looking to optimize their business support infrastructure. Similarly, investing in a dedicated Sports Tourism Coordinator highlights the growing recognition of sports tourism as a significant economic driver. This move could signal a broader trend in state-level economic development strategies, where niche markets like sports tourism are targeted for their potential to generate substantial revenue and enhance regional branding. The success of these roles could influence future policy decisions regarding resource allocation and strategic planning within Delaware's economic and tourism sectors.
