Silvana Pugliese
Detroit
Summary
Results-driven, bilingual (English/Spanish) Business Development and Community Engagement professional with 10+ years of experience spanning financial services, SaaS, and healthcare sales. Proven track record of building trust-based relationships with small businesses—particularly in low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities—while connecting entrepreneurs to capital, technical assistance, and growth resources. Currently serving as a Business Liaison for District 7 in Detroit, partnering with CDFIs, nonprofits, and city agencies to expand equitable access to funding and business support. Skilled in consultative sales, territory management, and stakeholder engagement, with a history of exceeding growth targets, increasing market penetration, and driving community economic impact.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Liaison – District 7
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Detroit
03.2025 - Current
- Serve as a dedicated advocate for 250+ small businesses in a low- to moderate-income district, providing guidance on licensing, permitting, and compliance—improving approval efficiency by 30%.
- Act as liaison between business owners and city departments, resolving 80% of service-related issues including zoning, signage, and permitting delays.
- Connect entrepreneurs to over $1.2M in funding through grants, loans, and partnerships with CDFIs and financial institutions, supporting the creation/retention of 150+ jobs.
- Built and maintained strategic relationships with CDFIs, nonprofit lenders, chambers, and community organizations to enhance access to capital and business resources.
- Facilitate monthly Corridor Compliance workshops, reaching 500+ business owners annually and reducing compliance violations by 25%.
- Supported 40+ storefront activations and redevelopment projects, driving corridor revitalization and stimulating economic activity.
- Delivered quarterly district reports detailing business trends, job growth, capital investment, and economic development opportunities to inform stakeholders.
Bilingual Notary Loan Signing Agent
SPP Services
Detroit
01.2023 - Current
- Execute compliant loan signings for real estate transactions while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory adherence.
- Maintain strong relationships with title companies, lenders, and clients through dependable service and communication.
Business Development Manager
Bacon Inc.
Detroit
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Built Detroit territory from the ground up, securing 50+ new business accounts through prospecting, relationship development, and consultative selling.
- Managed the complete sales lifecycle including lead generation, discovery meetings, demonstrations, negotiations, onboarding, and account transition.
- Partnered with business owners and HR leaders to deliver workforce solutions addressing staffing challenges.
- Conducted in-person and virtual presentations focused on business needs and measurable solutions.
- Consistently exceeded sales goals and performance metrics.
- Key Clients: Delaware North (Little Caesars Arena & Comerica Park staffing), Cold Heading, Globe Life Field, Target Field.
Business Development Manager / Physician Liaison
Merrick Sleep Solutions
Miami
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed physician relationships and referral partnerships throughout Miami-Dade County.
- Managed a portfolio of healthcare accounts and educated providers on sleep testing services and treatment solutions.
- Conducted physician in-services and consultative presentations to increase adoption.
Territory Sales Manager
Liberty Health Sciences
Miami
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed 100+ physician accounts across Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
- Built provider relationships through education, territory management, and business development.
- Increased delivery sales from $50K to $100K monthly within 60 days.
Specialty Sales Representative
Ascend Therapeutics
Detroit
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed a portfolio of 120+ physician accounts while developing relationships with OB/GYN specialists.
- Conducted Lunch-and-Learns, speaker programs, and educational presentations.
- Ranked in the Top 10% nationally and earned Rookie of the Year (2016) recognition.
Sales & Marketing Manager / Community Liaison
Keizer Solutions / RxCare Compounding Pharmacy
MI
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Developed sales strategies and community outreach initiatives to acquire new healthcare accounts.
- Conducted presentations and in-services for physicians and medical offices.
- Generated up to $35K monthly revenue through relationship-based sales.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Florida International University
Miami, FLMaster’s Coursework - Integrated Marketing & Communications
Florida International University
Miami, FLSkills
- Small Business Advocacy
- Relationship Management
- Community Engagement
- CDFI Collaboration
- Financial Partner Collaboration
- Access to Capital
- Grants
- Loans
- Technical Assistance
- Territory Management
- Portfolio Management
- Consultative Sales
- Solution-Based Sales
- New Business Development
- Public Speaking
- Workshops
- In-Services
- Cross-Sector Partnership Development
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
Certification
- Certified Notary Public, Michigan
- NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent
Locations
- Detroit, Detroit, MI
- Miami, Miami, FL
Career Focus
- Small Business Banking
- Community Development
- Relationship Management
- Business Advocacy
- Access to Capital
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Business Liaison – District 7
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
03.2025 - Current
Bilingual Notary Loan Signing Agent
SPP Services
01.2023 - Current
Business Development Manager
Bacon Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Business Development Manager / Physician Liaison
Merrick Sleep Solutions
01.2019 - 01.2020
Territory Sales Manager
Liberty Health Sciences
01.2018 - 01.2019
Specialty Sales Representative
Ascend Therapeutics
01.2016 - 01.2018
Sales & Marketing Manager / Community Liaison
Keizer Solutions / RxCare Compounding Pharmacy
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Florida International University
Master’s Coursework - Integrated Marketing & Communications
Florida International University