Amanda Sorrells serves as Director of Development and Strategy at Carolina Small Business Development Fund, where she leads strategic initiatives to expand access to capital, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, and support small businesses across North Carolina. Born and raised in Waynesville, North Carolina, in an entrepreneurial family that owned several small businesses, Amanda developed an early appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face. Previously, she served as Director of Entrepreneurship and Business Development with the NC Rural Economic Development Center, managing the statewide Microenterprise Loan Program and collaborating with community partners to advance small business growth. She also served as Program Manager for a multimillion-dollar initiative in the Dan River region, focusing on workforce development and improving health and wellness outcomes for local residents. Amanda earned her MBA from Western Carolina University and her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.