SBA Small Business Development Centers

What is it?

SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), provide professional up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. Services are offered through a network of nearly 1,000 service locations, in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of the services offered include writing a business plan, getting a loan, marketing, licenses and laws, selling to the government, patents and copyrights, selling abroad, hiring employees, and learning to buy the right equipment.

How does it work?

Services are offered free of charge to anyone interested in beginning a small business for the first time, or improving or expanding an existing small business, who cannot afford the services of a private consultant. Besides free help from their own full and part-time staffs, SBDCs offer you free help from private-sector consultants, engineers and testing laboratories.  Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development.  The SBDCs also make special efforts to reach minority members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women and the disabled. Assistance is provided to both current or potential small business owners.

Who is eligible?

SBDC assistance is tailored to the local community and the needs of individual clients. Each center develops services in cooperation with local SBA district offices to ensure statewide coordination with other available resources. Assistance is provided to both current and potential small business owners.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the SBA Web Page at
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html