The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is currently the largest management assistance program serving the business sector in the United States. Implementation of the program, upon completion of the annual Cooperative Agreement, rests within each SBDC State or Region Director and the sponsoring organization. An SBDC conducts research, counsels and trains business people in managing, financing
and operating small businesses, providing comprehensive information services and access to experts in a variety of fields. Each SBDC encourages unique local efforts to meet small business needs in its area. SBDCs develop and maintain partnerships among community organizations and agencies: local, state and federal, to provide a focal point for broad networks of public and private resources at the community level. SBDC partnership programs and activities have contributed significantly to economic growth in each state. It is the philosophical approach of the SBDC to guide and train the client in the areas of assistance required, rather than doing the work for them. Any present or prospective business owner is eligible for SBDC management and technical counseling at no charge. SBDC Objectives:
Provide information to the entrepreneur related to starting a small business. Provide free in-depth counseling, quality assistance to small businesses in all areas that promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and management involvement. Link resources of federal, state and local governments with those of colleges, universities and the private sector to meet the needs of the small business community. Contribute to the economic growth of the community serviced and create a broad based delivery system. The North Texas Small Business Development Center (NTSBDC) network serves the needs of established and start-up small businesses in northeast and north central Texas. It is a partnership program between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Dallas County Community College District. The regional office is located in the Bill J. Priest Campus of El Centro Community College, just south of downtown Dallas.
