Small Business Development Centers: What They Are and How to Find One

ARTICLE BY DAN CASARELLA

Reprinted with Permission from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce

Small business owners can use all the support they can get. Luckily, there are small business development centers (SBDC) to help foster small business growth and development. They offer resources and consulting to help assist local entrepreneurs. Here’s everything you need to know about SBDCs, including how to find one in your area.

What is an SBDC?

SBDCs are administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) to help provide tools, resources and information for small businesses and startups to set them up on the path to success. There are 62 regional SBDCs, with at least one in every U.S. state and territory. They offer businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical assistance at little to no cost. They also aid businesses that are applying for grants from federal agencies.

What can SBDCs do for small business owners?

Because they are tailored to their local communities, SBDCs have a variety of resources for small businesses depending on your location, industry and needs. Here are some of the most common resources that SBDCs have to offer:

• Financial services: Small business taxes and financial administration can be incredibly complex, especially for first-time business owners. SBDCs can help entrepreneurs organize their taxes and recommend CPAs and financial services to assist with their tax situation.

• Healthcare guidance: When starting a new business, owners may not know whether they are obligated to provide their employees with health benefits or how to insure themselves. SBDCs provide guidelines as to what the state and federal requirements are and how to obtain those resources for themselves and their employees.

• Hiring: If you’re looking to build out your team, SBDCs partner with recruiters and other services to help connect small businesses with candidates. They can help find you qualified team members that fit your company culture and workflow. SBDCs also can help schedule interviews and provide you with interview techniques so you can be sure that you’re hiring the right person.

• Employee training: SBDCs often provide training for the betterment of small business employees. These can range from technical or software training to management development. The type of training depends on the need, so it’s helpful to be in contact with your SBDC so they know the demand of their constituents.

• Feasibility studies: For entrepreneurs who are unsure about their new endeavor, the SBDC can help them create a feasibility study. This is an analysis of all the factors that can go into starting a new business, such as economic, technical, legal and industry analytics. The study provides insight for the entrepreneur with crucial information as to how to proceed and run their new business.

Who is eligible for assistance from SBDCs?

If you’re starting a business for the first time or are new to the small business sphere, you are eligible for assistance from SBDCs. Any existing small business owner who is looking to grow their business and cannot afford private consulting services is also eligible for services from SBDCs. In most cases, the SBDC you’re working with will review your eligibility when you first reach out.

How can you find your nearest SBDC?

In addition to the 62 SBDCs, there are over 900 service locations across the country. To find one that’s closest to you, visit americassbdc.org and click “Find your SBDC” or visit sba.gov and select “Local Assistance.”

Once you find your nearest SBDC, you can visit their site and see what services they provide. You can typically request consultation by answering a brief survey about your business.

It's in everyone's best interest to have a thriving local economy.

Organizations and municipalities across the country provide training and resources for local businesses. Other resources for growing your business include:

APEX Accelerators

APEX Accelerators are a no-cost service which assists businesses through the government-contracting marketplace. There are APEX Accelerators in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Community "MakerSpaces"

These workshops for builders and inventors provide access to advanced design and fabrication tools, business and education resources and skill development. Containing everything from 3D printers to woodworking equipment and commercial kitchens, these spaces provide entrepreneurs access to equipment they need without having to make large purchases. Many times they are operated in partnership with universities, such as the Lacey MakerSpace at St. Martin’s University in Washington and Boise State University's MakerLab. Some are only available to staff and students of the University, others are open to the public for free or by membership.

Women In Business Centers

These centers, in partnership with the SBA, offer no cost one-on-one business coaching with professionals experienced in business startup, finance, accounting, marketing and operations. In Oregon, check out livelihoodnw.org/owbc. In Washington, your center is online at wcwb.org. In Idaho, visit businessimpactnw. org/idaho-womens-business-center for information on programs.

Community Colleges

If you're looking to round out your skills or obtain a specific certification, check out the noncredit professional development courses through your local community college. Options include marketing, technology, bookkeeping, Microsoft certifications and business planning.

Someone from the SBDC team will review your responses and contact you for a discovery call. During this call, you’ll discuss your priorities and plan of action and learn how the SBDC can be of service to you. They’ll set you up with the tools you need so you can start implementing your action plan.

Find more information on starting, growing and running a business at uschamber.com.

ScaleUp Business Training (Washington State)

This immersive program is for experienced entrepreneurs looking to transform their enterprise into an automated business enterprise capable of generating seven figure revenues. The advanced training is delivered in an online learning environment, live instructional sessions with peer roundtable discussions and direct mentorship through a weekly study hall. The program is free to Washington businesses through June 2025, thanks to a partnership with the Department of Commerce. The next programs open in January.

Small Business Incubators

These business centers, such as the William M. Factory Small Business Incubator (williamfactory.com) in Tacoma Washington, provide mentorship, coaching, start-up resources and events in addition to office and meeting spaces by reservation.

And don't forget these resources:

• Your local chamber of commerce

• Downtown business associations

• Your regional economic development council or board

• Local service clubs such as Rotary and Altrusa

• Industry/trade associations (such as the Pierce County Dental Society, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association or The Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP))

CONTRIBUTOR: DARYL FOURTNER

Daryl started at Heritage Bank in 2011. His proficiency in solving complex financing issues is why many customers seek his expertise. While his overall focus is on commercial banking, he helps customers with dental financing, senior housing, general contracting, commercial real estate, SBA 504, step bond financing, nonprofit financing, investment real estate, manufacturing, equipment financing, operating lines of credit and electrical contracting. Daryl currently serves on the board for the Thurston Economic Development Council and formerly served on the board for the Center for Business & Innovation for the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation. He also volunteers at the Hands on Children's Museum and Junior Achievement of Washington. In his free time, Daryl enjoys playing tennis, spending time with his family and traveling. He even speaks fluent Italian!