About Karen Sharp

Karen Sharp joined the Small Business Development Center in 2019 where she helped over one thousand business owners evolve to the next level of business.  Many of her clients started businesses, some chose not to.  Others sought marketing and sales strategies, cash flow management, ways to make running a business easier and loan assistance.  She helped her clients obtain over $50MM in loans and create over 1300 jobs.  

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As a franchisee of 25 years and having advised numerous franchisees start and grow their businesses, Karen is well-equipped to help potential franchise owners start their franchise ownership journey with business plans for financing and assistance in non-legal issues with respect to setting up their business.  

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Karen knows what franchises are eligible for SBA lending and how to make that happen.

Prior to the Small Business Development Center, Karen operated (and still does) Proforma Impact Promotions where she assists clients obtain branded solutions for their firms.  Her clients have included Harris County, NASA, Marathon Oil, Alzheimer's Association, and Houston Habitat for Humanity, among others.  Prior to Proforma Impact Promotions, she spent 15 years in oil and gas information technology at Shell Oil and BMC Software.. 

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Karen is an adjunct business professor at University of Houston -Downtown and at Lone Star College.

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Karen serves as Co-President of Woman Within South Central USA and her local home owners association board,  She loves to golf, sew, and spend time with family.