Meet the Team

Lauren Carter

Lauren Carter is the Center Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lincoln University. She is responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the assignment and coordination of the SBDC staff and operations in Cole, Miller, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. In addition, Lauren provides one-on-one business consulting to current and potential entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as, developing and instructing educational programs on behalf of SBDC. Prior to being the Director at SBDC at LU, Lauren worked for the Missouri Department of Economic Development in the Business and Community Service
section where she managed several incentive programs and other funding programs. She is very experienced with grant funding and reporting, as well as other funding opportunities for non-profits.

Previously, she was a supervisor with the Missouri Department of Revenue in the Taxation Division. This is where she developed her love of taxes, both individual and business. She has contributed to several communities statewide through activities that stimulated economic growth, business expansion, and job creation.

Lauren holds a BS and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Management from Lincoln University. She is a certified Blue Mesa coach, certified DE&I consultant, and a certified GrowthWheel advisor. She is the Chair of the JC Minority Business Council and holds a seat on the Missouri SBDC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board as well as the board of the JC Chamber of Commerce.

Lauren has a deep desire to support the Red Slipper Warrior Project. She has lost two of the most influential people in her life to cancer, and because of this, she is motivated to make as big an impact in the lives of everyone who is affected by cancer.