jlawrence24@nul.org

Speaker Bio

jlawrence24@nul.org's picture
Jo Ann Lawrence
Deputy District Director U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

As deputy director for the SBA’s Louisiana District Office, Jo Ann Lawrence is responsible for management and oversight of the agency’s programs and services. She is a nationwide expert on the 8(a) business development program, HUBZone certification, woman and veteran-owned small business certifications, 7(j) management and technical assistance, Joint Ventures and Mentor Protégé Programs. Lawrence has 50 years of service with the federal government, all with SBA. Among her many honors include the 2024 Horizon Trailblazer Award; the New Orleans Business Alliance Most Valuable Partner Award; and recognition as an “unsung hero for economic development” from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, New Orleans chapter.