The US Small Business Administration administers the Small Business Development Center Program to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to 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. There are now 57 small business development centers - one in every state. A network of more than 950 service locations. In each state there is a lead organization that sponsors the SBDC and manages the program.

SBDC assistance is tailored to the local community and the needs of individual clients. Each center develops services in cooperation with local SBA district office to ensure statewide coordination with other available resources.

Each center has a director, staff member, volunteers and part-time personnel.. Qualified individuals recruited from professional and trade associations, the legal and banking communities, academia, chambers of commerce and SCORE are among those who donate their services.

SBDCs also use paid consultants, consulting engineers and testing laboratories form the private sector to help clients who need specialized expertise.


WHAT THE PROGRAM DOES

The SBDC Program is designed to deliver up to date counseling training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering, and technical problems, and feasibility studies. 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 socially and economically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women and the disable. Assistance is provided to both current and potential small business owners. SBDCs also provide assistance to small businesses applying for Small Business Innovation and Research grants from the federal agencies.

 

LEAD SBDCs:
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
(904) 444-2060

SUBCENTER:
USF Small Business Development Center
1101Channelside Drive, Suite 210
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone (813) 905-5800
Fax (813) 905-5801