Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC

OVERVIEW

The Utah Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) is the largest and most accessible statewide source of assistance for small businesses in every stage of development . The Network has 15 locations across Utah, including 10 regional centers and five service locations staffed by 32 team members . The Network is a partnership between the state’s colleges and universities, the U .S . Small Business Administration and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development .

The Utah SBDC Network provides one-on-one confidential evaluation and guidance by knowledgeable advisors with real-life business experience . Our centers provide valuable workshops, conferences and training programs that deliver important information to assist in cultivating necessary business skillsets .

The economic impact from the SBDC’s efforts (see below) is measured in client revenue growth, client capital infusion, and state and local taxes generated .

The Network is fully accredited by the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), a network of 63 SBDC networks across the country that provide standards for certification and program delivery .

The regional offices are located at Utah State University—College of Eastern Utah (Price, Moab and Blanding), Davis ATC, Dixie State University, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College (Ephraim and Richfield), Southern Utah University, Utah State University (Logan, Brigham City, Tooele, Vernal), Utah Valley University and Weber State University . For more information see www .utahsbdc .org

Mark Balboni, LLC

Website: http://markbalboni .com Employees: 1 Location: Ogden

Mark Balboni, founder of Mark Balboni, LLC, had dreamt of starting his own business for many years . Realizing he needed the experience and industry contacts that would be instrumental in the successful launch and growth of his business, he joined a well-known and respected consulting firm where he remained for 14 years . Not only did this provide the opportunities to perform the technical work he specialized in, but he also managed projects, prepared and priced contracts, and participated in the

sales process . Mr . Balboni stated, “All of these things were key in becoming wellrounded enough to start my own business . ”

In 2014, Mr . Balboni determined the time was right and launched his own consulting firm that provides compliance consulting services on FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practice regulations and quality assurance principles to the pharmaceutical, biologics and medical device industries .

As with most new business owners, Mr . Balboni recognized there were areas where he needed guidance . He was introduced to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Weber State University to answer his questions and help get his business off the ground . As a first-time business owner, Mr . Balboni worked with the SBDC on registering his business, as well as developing his business plan and strategies . Of his experiences working with the SBDC, Mr . Balboni said, “It has been invaluable to work with an SBDC consultant . He has become a trusted advisor . ”

In response to the question concerning the most important aspects of starting a successful business, Mr . Balboni said, “Make sure there is an actual demand for your product or service, and be prepared not to immediately start making money . If the money comes quickly, you are lucky . ” He also said, “Don’t give up if there is a slow period . Continue to do proactive things to increase your sales, and make sure you have enough money to start a business . ”

In summary, Mr . Balboni stated, “I recognized years ago that this was something I wanted to do, but had no idea where to start . ” After partnering with the SBDC, Mr . Balboni is well on his way as a successful business owner .

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

The Utah SBDC has always supported efforts across the state to expand women owned business outreach and continues to support close relations with other service providers focused on women’s business support . In addition to routinely serving women clients, the Utah SBDC regional service centers also support and refer clients to the Utah Women’s Business Center .

The network served 1262 women clients during SFY (State Fiscal Year) 2015, representing around 37 .7 percent of total clients .

Ooh La La and Friends, Vernal, UT

VETERANS

The network served 284 veterans in SFY 2015 . Of the 284 clients served, 51 percent are in business . These client businesses employed 683 full time employees and 542 part time employees . 89 percent of the businesses are male owned and 11 percent female-owned . These veteran client businesses generate $42 million in annual sales .

The Utah SBDC participates in veteran events around the state .

MANUFACTURING

The network served 339 manufacturing clients during SFY 2015 . This represents around 9 percent of the total SBDC clients statewide .

The SBDCs participate in the Utah MEP Roundtable Meetings . These meetings are held at various locations statewide and attended by local manufacturers . They provide an opportunity for discussion of key issues that currently affect their manufacturing operations .

Lock N Load Java, Salt Lake City, UT

For additional information about the Small Business Development Center Network visit utahsbdc.org or contact Sherm Wilkinson, State Director, at sherm.wilkinson@slcc.edu or 801-957-5384.