Office of Small Business Development Centers

The Office of Small Business Development Centers promotes entrepreneurship and small business growth through its national network of centers. **Mission statement** The Mission of the Office of Small Business Development Centers is to promote entrepreneurship, small business growth and the U.S. economy by providing the critical funding, oversight and support needed by the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers. **About our office** The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Program in a cooperative effort with the private sector, the educational community, and federal, state, and local governments to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. Each center develops services in cooperation with local SBA district offices to ensure statewide coordination with other available resources. There are now 62 Lead Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in every state and territory, with multiple locations that form a network of more than 900 service locations. 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 including international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development 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, and to small businesses applying for Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) grants from federal agencies.