Biography

Michelle Kloske is the Director and Senior Business Advisor for the SBDC APEX Accelerator at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she has served since 2019. She works directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them start, grow, and strengthen their businesses, with an emphasis on practical guidance and clear next steps.

Michelle brings extensive hands-on advising experience, working directly with entrepreneurs across diverse industries and business stages, including retail, food and beverage, construction, engineering, software, professional services, and nonprofits. Clients often seek her out for assistance with business formation, licensing, financial and operational planning, and accessing capital. In 2022, she was recognized as the Alabama SBDC State Star for excellence in advising and client impact.

In addition to one-on-one advising, Michelle leads training programs, workshops, and business matchmaking events that connect clients to resources and partners across the small business ecosystem. She also plays a key role in educating clients about the APEX Accelerator program and connecting businesses interested in government contracting to specialized APEX advisors and services. She oversees program operations, reporting, and continuous improvement to ensure the center delivers measurable, high-quality results aligned with the performance standards and expectations of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and other key stakeholders.

Michelle began her career in accounting and government reporting for a defense contractor in Huntsville and brings both professional and firsthand small business experience to her advising. She has founded and operated a small business and held leadership roles in finance, events, and membership management, including helping guide a formerly bankrupt organization through recovery and growth.

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Michelle holds an associate degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is known for her practical leadership style, collaborative approach, and genuine commitment to helping entrepreneurs move forward with confidence.