Definition: University-based centers sponsored by the SBA for the delivery of
joint government, academic and private sector services for the
benefit of small business.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are cooperative
efforts among the SBA, a college or university, the private sector,
and state and local governments. Their services include business
counseling, training and technical assistance.
There are more than 1,100 SBDCs nationwide offering free
individual counseling as well as low-cost business workshops. Most
SBDC offerings are planned on a state and local basis, meaning
they're tailored to your area's economic needs.
Many centers specialize in just one facet of business, such as
international trade, finance, procurement, marketing, technology
transfer or accounting. Some lucky cities have SBDC
incubators--large buildings where fledgling businesses can not only
rent office space but also receive secretarial support and start-up
counseling and assistance.
Because SBDCs are sometimes located on college campuses, many
people have the misconception that the advisors are professors with
little knowledge of the rough-and-tumble real world. But while SBDC
staff members may have academic training, they also have business
experience. The counseling is offered on an ongoing basis for as
long as you need it, and you can see the same counselor each time
so he or she becomes familiar with your business.
Although small businesses vary so much that it's difficult to
summarize all the types of help they can get from SBDCs, workshop
topics often include marketing, preparing a business plan and
obtaining financing. SBDCs can even help you find start-up funds,
whether from the SBA or other sources.