Celebration of ‘SBDC Day’ set for March 18, 2020

Businesses have always celebrated ribbon cuttings, grand openings and company anniversaries, and for the fourth year they’ll be able to celebrate the organization that helps them turn their dreams into reality: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). America’s SBDC Day is set for March 18th, 2020, a day that will unite nearly 1,000 SBDCs across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they’ve served in their 40-year history.

In 2019, the SC SBDC assisted 4,024 businesses which accounted for 200 business starts, 1,396 jobs created/retained, $31.2 million in new sales, and $64.6 million in capital investments.

“Here in South Carolina, small businesses represent 97 percent of the state’s employers,” said SC SBDC State Director Michele Abraham. “By supporting their formation and growth, the SC SBDC plays a vital role in driving a thriving economy and creating jobs.”

With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. SBDCs have also supported small business in ways beyond business development. SBDCs are key partners in disaster recovery, working with SBA, FEMA, and State agencies to improve resiliency and speed recovery in disaster-stricken communities. Whether it is flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes or wildfires you will find SBDCs staffing the Business Recovery Centers and reestablishing communities.

“SBDC clients give their SBDCs 4.4 out of 5 stars and 93% of SBDC clients recommend their SBDCs to other small businesses. With 40 years of expertise, proven ROI and stellar client ratings, it’s clear that America’s SBDCs are the nation’s most trusted small business resource,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, President & CEO of America’s SBDC.

America’s SBDC network is a partnership that includes the U.S. Congress, SBA, the private sector, and the colleges, universities and state governments that host SBDCs across the nation. SBDCs provide management and technical assistance to an estimated one million small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs each year. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can go to their local SBDCs for no-fee, face-to-face business consulting and affordable training on writing business plans, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, international trade and more.

Small businesses, partners, and advocates are invited to help spread the word about SBDC Day using the hashtag #SBDCDay. On March 18, participants are encouraged to share how their local SBDC has created a difference in their life and community.

To learn more about SBDC Day, and to join the movement, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay.

About America’s SBDC and Small Business Development Centers

America’s SBDC represents the Nation’s 63 Small Business Development Centers, a national network of partnerships uniting higher education, state and local nonprofit economic development organizations, private enterprise and government. It is the Small Business Administration’s largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses. Learn more at www.AmericasSBDC.org

About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC)

Twenty-one South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) located throughout the state’s 46 counties offer no-fee individual, confidential business consulting. Highly-trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies by providing a variety of services including business plan development, fiscal and operations management, human resources, financing options, marketing strategies and much more. In addition to conducting a variety of affordable education workshops, SBDC centers refer clients to useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance and minority outreach.

Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC & @SCSBDC