“Nurturing Dreams. Growing Futures.” That’s the theme of this year’s SBDC Day, which takes place on March 20, 2024. When you consider the impact of America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), it makes sense: More than half of SBDC clients go on to start new businesses, according to the SBDC 2024 Annual Report. And once they do, they continue to seek the services of SBDC advisors.
Just look at U.S. Army veteran Dennis Guy. To pivot from a successful small business selling beer merchandise, to an educational agency that empowers organizations through multimedia marketing, Dennis turned to his local SBDC in Mount Oliver, PA. What began as an inquiry into funding and counseling resources became a relationship that led to referrals for SBA veteran contracting assistance programs and APEX Accelerators. As a result, Dennis and his wife, Samantha, are able to help startups, nonprofits, and communities reach their full potential through their company, First Sip Studios.
Dennis’s story, while exceptional, is not the exception. Entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. have benefited from SBDC services offered at nearly 1,000 locations across the country. Through partnerships with the SBA, universities, colleges, state economic development agencies, and private sector organizations, SBDCs provide no-cost counseling and no- or low-cost training and technical assistance on several topics, including:
- Business planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Exporting
- Cybersecurity
- E-commerce
- Disaster recovery
- And more!
While SBDC advisors specialize in assisting entrepreneurs with starting and growing their businesses, small business owners at any stage can get help from their local SBDC. SBDCs provide one-time and ongoing guidance. They also host local workshops that give small business owners the tools they need to be successful. Celebrate this SBDC Day by finding your nearest center.