Michael B. McClinton has been named Coordinator of the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center (BAC), a department within the City of Fort Worth’s Economic Development department, Director Robert Sturns announced.

Most recently, McClinton was a business instructor at Joliet (IL.) Junior College and served as a business advisor within its Small Business Development Center.

The BAC helps small businesses start, grow and succeed by creating and delivering relevant small business development workshops, programs and events. Topics include small business loans (SBA), tax preparation and legal issues affecting small businesses. The BAC offers its clients free one-on-one business counseling provided by former and current small business owners, and hosts a Business Information Center (BIC), a library of small business guides and reference materials. Most of the programs offered by the BAC are free with a select few provided at a low cost.

“We are very excited to have Michael join us,” Sturns said. “He will be coordinating the programming and activities of the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center and will be a key asset in our efforts to grow and support Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

McClinton has an extensive entrepreneurial background, having started and grown businesses across various industries, which includes real estate, retail, construction and transportation. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, McClinton spent nearly seven years as an investment professional with The Northern Trust Company.

“I am excited to be joining the Business Assistance Center, the community and economic development professionals throughout the City to bring high-quality counseling and training programs for the City of Fort Worth’s small business owners and entrepreneurs,” McClinton said. “I look forward to identifying new opportunities and initiatives to keep the BAC current with the changing needs of the local economy.”

He received his Bachelor of Science, Finance & Real Estate from Illinois State University.