Guide to Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

A coast-to-coast network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – offering free small business counseling, information and more – is one of the best deals open to small business owners in America. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) runs this program – sponsored jointly by private enterprise and Uncle Sam – which is aimed squarely at providing on-the-spot assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to start, grow or manage a business. Contact an SBDC and you will receive free face-to-face counseling for your new or existing business. There are SBDCs in every state, with a network of over 1,100 service locations at colleges, universities, vocational schools, community colleges and economic development corporations. SBDCs deliver counseling, training and tech help in all aspects of small biz management, including financial, marketing, production, engineering, and feasibility studies. This is the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. To tap the SBDC network's free treasure trove of expert advice and information, do this:

1. Locate the nearest SBDC or the SBDC network in your state
2. Check the Web site for a full list of services, local offices and contact information
3. Call, stop by, or email to set up an appointment for no-cost counseling

While you're at it, Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for growing a small business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Just point and click you way to expert help, at no cost

The SBA has a convenient SBDC locator.

I recommend: Click your state on the SBDC locator map of the USA.Or scroll down the locator page to find the lead SBDC center in your state or region (there are 63 total) and click the Web site link. For Spanish language, see information on SBDC en Espanol and Documentos de Small Business. Work.com state guides include links to many SBDC locations.

See which SBDCs are offering online courses

The SBDC help menu includes many training sources you can take online.

I recommend: SBDC Net, a national information clearinghouse for the SBDC network, has a handy list of SBDCs currently offering free online courses. SBDC Net's list of state centers is another way to find your nearest location, and their Small Business Information Center lists resources in 18 topic areas, such as accounting, financer, human resources and veterans. The SBDC Net eNewsletter focuses on one industry or startup case history per issue.

Inspire yourself with profiles of businesses that have received SBDC help

SBDCs nationwide help over a million entrepreneurs every year.

I recommend: SBDCs have helped a chocolate company, consulting firm and ice cream business – among millions of others.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations.
• The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments. It enhances economic development by providing small businesses with management and technical assistance.
• 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.
• Assistance from an SBDC is available 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.
• To locate an SBDC by phone, call the Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-8-ASK-SBA or (202) 205-7064 (fax). For the hearing impaired, the TDD number is (202) 205-7333.