Skip Navigation Links and Jump to Page Content  The Library of Congress >> Especially for Researchers >> Research Centers
Business Reference Services (Science, Technology, and Business Division)
  Home >> Business Providers Directory >> States

Directory of Small Business Providers by State/Possession

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado
Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Guam
Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas
Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan
Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada
New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota
Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island
South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont
Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

MAINE


Lead Small Business Development Center: Maine
ORGANIZATION:
Maine Lead Center (University of Southern Maine)

ADDRESS:

96 Falmouth Street
Portland, ME 04103

CONTACT: Mr. John Massaua, State Director

TELEPHONE: (207) 780 4420

FAX: (207) 780-4810

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.mainesbdc.org/

E-MAIL: jrmassaua@maine.edu

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
SBDC - Eastern Maine Development Corporation

ADDRESS:
40 Harlow Street
Bangor, ME 04401

CONTACT: Victoria Burpee, Lending Director

TELEPHONE: (800) 339-6389 or (207) 942-6389

FAX: (207) 942-3548

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.emdc.org

E-MAIL: info@emdc.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The Small Business Development Center provides region-wide comprehensive business assistance to emerging and existing small businesses through the following focused services:
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Training Programs
  • Business Planning
  • Access to Capital
  • Linkage with other economic development organizations.
The SBDC is publicly funded and commits to foster employment, profit and economic growth with its clients.

INFORMATION SERVICES: University of Maine URSUS system, National SBDC Research Network, Market Development Center at EMDC that matches Federal contracts with Maine businesses, MSBDC Center N15

AREAS OF INTEREST: Work closely with EMDC Lending Division, the SBA, USDA, EDA, and others to secure loans for clients.

HOLDINGS: University of Maine Folger Library is federal depository of government documents and SBDC has access to this. SBDC has their own library of videos from the Inc. Magazine and other sources; also have access to video conferencing and remote access to Internet and host organization resources.

LIMITATIONS: Services limited to 20 hours for an individual client (in special cases this can be overridden).

PUBLICATIONS: "The Plan: A Step-by-Step Business Plan Workbook" published by New Ground Publications.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Funded by the State of Maine, Small Business Administration and the University of Maine.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 2 full-time, 1 part-time, don't use volunteers at this center because of SCORE chapter in Bangor.

FOUNDED: 1988

CLIENTELE: Both start-up and established businesses.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: 6 counties in Maine (39% of the state geographically).

IMPACT ON REGION: Significant impact, functions as clearing house for business and loan information. Referrals from banks, municipalities, state and federal politicians, businesses, etc. Work on an ongoing basis with clients for years. Conduct business education workshops throughout region.
Return to top

MARYLAND


Lead Small Business Development Center: Maryland
ORGANIZATION:
Maryland Small Business Development Center

ADDRESS:

University of Maryland
7100 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 402
College Park, MD 20740

CONTACT: Ms. Renee C. Sprow, State Director

TELEPHONE: 1-301-403-0501

FAX: (301) 934-7681

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/

E-MAIL: training@mdsbdc.umd.edu

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Rural Information Center/National Agricultural Library

ADDRESS:
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Blvd.
Room 304
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351

CONTACT: Patricia L. John, Coordinator

TELEPHONE: (301) 504-5755 or 1-800-633-7701

FAX: (301) 504-5181

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/

E-MAIL: ric@nalusda.gov
NAL bulletin board (RIC/RICHS Conference) 1-301-504-6510

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: RIC is a joint project of the Extension Service and the National Agricultural Library (NAL). RIC provides information and referral services to local government officials, community organizations, health professionals and organizations, cooperatives, libraries, businesses, and rural citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas. The Center combines the technical, subject-matter expertise of Extension's nationwide educational network with the information specialists and resources of the world's foremost agricultural library.

INFORMATION SERVICES: DIALOG, LOGIN, FAPRS (Federal Assistance Program Retrieval System, database of federal funding services). Perform brief database searches on requested topics on a complimentary basis. Refer users to organizations or experts in field who can provide additional information.

AREAS OF INTEREST: Process broad array of general information and funding information requests (for example, small business attraction, retention and expansion, technology transfer to rural areas, health programs and services). Identify current USDA and DHHS research and Cooperative Extension System Programs.

HOLDINGS: Have access to entire NAL collection.

LIMITATIONS: Perform brief literature searches on a complimentary basis, and exhaustive searches on a cost-recovery basis.

PUBLICATIONS:
  1. QB (Quick Bibliography on a specific rural topic).
  2. Rural Information Center Publication Series titles (annotated bibliography with other contacts listed, funding sources, newsletters).
RIC publications cover Economic Development Viability; Health Services; Leadership, Public Decisions, and Community Change; The Quality of Urban/Rural Life and Natural Resources; Local Government Viability.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: USDA, Rural Development Administration, Forest Service, NAL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health Policy.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 9 full-time, 3 part-time.

FOUNDED: 1987

CLIENTELE: Varies. (Congress, federal agencies, state and local governments, extension services, community development organizations, health care providers, health care industry in general, educational institutions, libraries, non-profit groups, businesses, and individuals).

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: United States.

IMPACT ON REGION: On-line system tracks queries -- do about 4,000 requests a year.
Return to top

MASSACHUSETTS


Lead Small Business Development Center: Massachusetts
ORGANIZATION:
Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

ADDRESS:

205 Isenberg School of Management
Amherst, MA 01003-9310

CONTACT: Georgianna Parkin, State Director

TELEPHONE: (413) 545-6301

FAX:

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://msbdc.som.umass.edu/

E-MAIL: gep@msbdc.umass.edu

Return to top

MICHIGAN


Lead Small Business Development Center: Michigan
ORGANIZATION:
Michigan Small Business Development Center (Grand Valley State University)

ADDRESS:

510 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504

CONTACT: Carol Lopucki, State Director

TELEPHONE: (616) 336-7480

FAX: (616) 336-7485

INTERNET ADDRESS:http://www.mi-sbdc.org/

E-MAIL: lopuckic@gvsu.edu

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Small Business Development Center (Ferris State University)

ADDRESS:
West 115
330 Oak Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2031

CONTACT: Laura Swenson

TELEPHONE: (616) 592-3553 or 1-800-562-9130

FAX: (616) 592-3539

E-MAIL: yc26@music.ferris.edu

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: To provide resources for growth companies and new enterprises linking education, government, business, and industry.

INFORMATION SERVICES: Support a discussion list (esbdc - electronic small business development center), center is an extension of the university library, collection can be accessed from anywhere on campus, emphasize the self-help aspect.

AREAS OF INTEREST: SBA 504 Program -- success at financing, targeted for growth companies (those in a position to add buildings or equipment, watch companies over time (pre/post loan review), long term measuring of companies' impact; operate Internet discussion lists (esbdc and one for Michigan development partners); Independent Study in Small Business-- students work as lab assistants.

HOLDINGS: Main library has CD-ROMs. The SBDC has various databases, software, manuals, videos on "How to Start a Small Business," series on small business (In Search of Excellence), ASBDC/LOTUS/IBM Small Business Learning Center.

LIMITATIONS: Only restriction would be timing (i.e. timing it when students are available), is an emphasis on self-help.

PUBLICATIONS: Brochures, affiliate offices have their own newsletters and center is frequently mentioned.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Local and federal funding, university support.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 1 full-time, 1 part-time, 6 on a contractual basis, 3-4 student interns, some volunteers (hope to get retired faculty and business people).

FOUNDED: 1993

CLIENTELE: More start-ups than existing businesses (start-ups require less staff time than do existing companies who may need more staff intensive attention), would like to see a 50-50 ratio of start-up to on-going businesses (concentrate on the 5-20 employee size = $500,000 - $20 million in sales).

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: Cover about a 10 county area with their affiliate offices. Each center serves its immediate area. Do respond to some requests from outside the general area and work in conjunction with other business development organizations.

IMPACT ON REGION: Measure number of clients and number of actual projects that have developed, also jobs created, do a customer satisfaction survey on an annual basis.
Return to top

MINNESOTA


Lead Small Business Development Center: Minnesota
ORGANIZATION:
Minnesota Small Business Development Center (Minnesota Department of Trade & Economic Development)

ADDRESS:

500 Metro Square
121 Seventh Place East
St. Paul, MN 55101-2146

CONTACT: Ms. Mary Kruger, State Director

TELEPHONE: (651) 297-5773

FAX: (651) 296-1290

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.mnsbdc.com/

E-MAIL: mary.kruger@state.mn.us

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Minnesota Project Innovation, Inc.

ADDRESS:
111 3rd Avenue, S.
Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2551

CONTACT: Randall Olson, Director

TELEPHONE: (612) 338-3280

FAX: (612) 349-2603

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.mpi.org

E-MAIL:rolson@mpi.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The mission of Minnesota Project Innovation, Inc., (MPI) is to assist the successful formation and growth of Minnesota small business through:
  • Maximizing the receipt of federal funds by high technology companies through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
  • Providing business development assistance to those technology companies winning SBIR awards.
  • Defining and facilitating the process for state businesses to obtain technologies developed in federal laboratories.
  • Assisting businesses in successfully bidding on federal, state and local government contracts, as prime and/or subcontractors.
INFORMATION SERVICES: NTIS, DTIC, National Technology Information Center, Business Gold, SBIR- Search (available only to MN businesses), database of all the awards given up to 1992, electronic Commerce Business Daily service, Haystack ON-LINE (Procurement Information).

AREAS OF INTEREST:'
  • SBIR program -- the oldest program; helps companies at any stage to be successful.
  • Technology Innovation Program -- help companies to identify federal labs.
  • Procurement Program -- helps small businesses to compete for federal, state and county contracts.
  • Conduct workshops on a monthly basis.
HOLDINGS: For procurement program have a CD-ROM of federal specs and standards.

LIMITATIONS: Must be a Minnesota resident or business.

PUBLICATIONS: Publish standard marketing material.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: State and federal funds and private donations.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 14 full-time, 2 part-time, no volunteers.

FOUNDED: 1984

CLIENTELE: SBIR program - the majority are very young companies or not even in business yet. Procurement program - the companies are typically at least 3 years old. Technology Utilization Program - young start-ups and companies that have been in existence for 5-10 years.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: Minnesota.

IMPACT ON REGION: Track number of jobs created, businesses assisted, and the amount of money coming into the state as a result of their programs, do a qualitative analysis of their programs. Send a questionnaire to the award winners of the SBIR program.

RECOMMENDED:
  1. Minnesota Technology, Inc. (online service, sponsored by the University of Minnesota) - special program to help small businesses with technology needs and business information.
    Administered by:
    Information Services
    Minnesota Technology, Inc.
    400 South First Street, Suite 410
    St. Cloud, MN 56301
    (612) 654-5201
  2. Metro East Development Partnership
    101 Norwest Center
    East 5th Street
    St. Paul, MN 55101
    (612) 224-EAST
  3. MN Inventors Congress
    P.O. Box 71
    Redwood Falls, MN 56283-0071
    1-800-468-3681 (in Minnesota)
    (507) 637-2344
  4. Women Ventures
    2324 University Avenue
    Suite 200
    St. Paul, MN 55114
    (612) 646-3808
  5. Minority Business Development Center
    2021 Hennepin Avenue, East
    Suite LL35
    Minneapolis, MN 55413
    (612) 331-5576
  6. Minnesota Cooperation Office for Small Business & Job
    Creation
    5001 West 80th Street
    Bloomington, MN 55407
    (612) 830-1230
  7. Metropolitan Economic Development Association
    2021 East Hennepin Avenue
    Suite 370
    Minneapolis, MN 55413
    (612) 378-0361
Return to top

MISSISSIPPI


Lead Small Business Development Center: Mississippi
ORGANIZATION:
Mississippi Small Business Development Center

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 1848
B-19 Jeanette Phillips Drive
University, Mississippi 38677-1848

CONTACT: Mr. Walter D. "Doug" Gurley, Jr., State Director

TELEPHONE: (662) 915-5001 or Toll-Free in MS: 1-800-725-7232

FAX: (662) 915-5650

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/mssbdc

E-MAIL: wgurley@olemiss.edu

Return to top

MISSOURI


Lead Small Business Development Center: Missouri
ORGANIZATION:
Missouri Small Business Development Center (University of Missouri)

ADDRESS:

306 Cornell Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

CONTACT: Mr. Max E. Summers, State Director

TELEPHONE: (573) 882-7096

FAX: (573) 882-9931

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.missouribusiness.net/

E-MAIL: sbdcmso@missouri.edu

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

ADDRESS:
4801 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2046

CONTACT: Anne Canfield, Director, Communications

TELEPHONE: (816) 932-1044

FAX: (816) 932-1440

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.emkf.org

E-MAIL: info@emkf.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private operating foundation that focuses on youth development and the growth of entrepreneurship in America.

INFORMATION SERVICES: DIALOG, Dow Jones, NEXIS, Youthwire, HandsNet, and SBA.

AREAS OF INTEREST:
  1. Youth Development:
    school-based and family and community-based initiatives, primarily in the bi-state area of Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS
  2. Entrepreneurship:
    training for adults
    entrepreneurship for children in grades kindergarten through community college.
HOLDINGS: Videos, vertical files.

LIMITATIONS: Restrictions on how income from trust fund can be expended.

PUBLICATIONS: Annual report, program brochures, special reports.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Assets of approximately $2.1 billion. The Foundation is fully endowed.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 184.

FOUNDED: 1966 by Ewing Marion Kauffman.

CLIENTELE: Varies depending upon the program.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: Greater Kansas City metropolitan area (youth development). Also involved in global, national, and local collaborations and alliances (entrepreneurship).

IMPACT ON REGION:
  • School reform in urban district
  • Professional development of teachers, principals, superintendents in urban districts
  • Enhanced organizational effectiveness of key local youth-serving and neighborhood development organizations
  • Greater awareness of entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurship education
Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association

ADDRESS:
One Metropolitan Square
Suite 1300
St. Louis, MO 63102

CONTACT: Richard C.D. Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer

TELEPHONE: (314) 231-5555

FAX: (314) 206-3277

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.stlrcga.org

E-MAIL: RCGAInfo@stlrcga.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The chamber of commerce and economic development organization for the 12-county, bi-state region. With over 4,000 members, RCGA members constitute 40% of the regional work force. RCGA's mission is to unite the St. Louis region's business community and engage dynamic business and civic leadership to develop and sustain a world-class economy and community. A membership organization.

INFORMATION SERVICES: Market profile; site location; Leadership Circle; RCGA Affinity programs; Breakfast with the Gazelles; Town Hall Forum; Business After Hours.

AREAS OF INTEREST: Regional economic development; marketing; work force enhancement; high tech industry development; government affairs.

HOLDINGS: N/A

LIMITATIONS: Some services are restricted to membership or to the time schedules of research professionals.

PUBLICATIONS: Monthly magazine (St. Louis Commerce Magazine); monthly newsletter (RCGA Action); Monday Memo; Relocation Guide; Regional Profile; Annual Roster; Annual Report.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Membership dues.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 54 full-time, 2 part-time, over 1000 volunteers assist with programs.

FOUNDED: 1973 as the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association; changed to St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association in 1999 (originally founded in 1836 as the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce).

CLIENTELE: Businesses of all sizes.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: Bi-state region covering 12 counties (5 counties in Illinois, 6 in Missouri, plus the city of St. Louis). Total population of 2.5 million.

IMPACT ON REGION: Business retention, recruitment, and expansion. RCGA currently has approximately 4,000 member companies.
Return to top

MONTANA


Lead Small Business Development Center: Montana
ORGANIZATION:
Montana Small Business Development Center (Montana Department of Commerce)

ADDRESS:

1424 Ninth Avenue
Helena, MT 59620

CONTACT:

Ann Desch, State Director
Rebecca Sweeney, Admin. Officer

TELEPHONE: (406) 444-4780

FAX: (406) 444-1872

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://sbdc.mt.gov/

E-MAIL:

adesch@state.mt.us
rsweeney@state.mt.us
Return to top

NEBRASKA


Lead Small Business Development Center: Nebraska
ORGANIZATION:
Nebraska Small Business Development Center (University of Nebraska at Omaha)

ADDRESS:

1313 Farnam Street
PKCC Suite 230
Omaha, NE 68182-0248

CONTACT: Tom McCabe, Director

TELEPHONE: (402) 595-2381

FAX: (402) 595-2385

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://nbdc.unomaha.edu/

E-MAIL: tmccabe@unomaha.edu

Return to top

NEVADA


Lead Small Business Development Center: Nevada
ORGANIZATION:
Nevada Small Business Development Center (University of Nevada/Reno)

ADDRESS:

College of Business Administration/032
Business Bldg., Room 411
Reno, NV 89557-0100

CONTACT: Mr. Sam Males, State Director

TELEPHONE: (702) 784-1717

FAX: (702) 784-4337

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.nsbdc.org/

E-MAIL: nsbdc@unr.nevada.edu

Return to top

NEW HAMPSHIRE


Lead Small Business Development Center: New Hampshire
ORGANIZATION:
State Director’s Office (UNH Whittemore School of Business & Economics)

ADDRESS:

108 McConnell Hall
Durham, NH 03824-3593

CONTACT:

Mary E. Collins, State Director
Laura Robinson, Program Support Assistant

TELEPHONE: (603) 862-2200

FAX: (603) 862-4876

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.nhsbdc.org/

E-MAIL:

mec@christa.unh.edu
laura.robinson@unh.edu
Return to top

NEW JERSEY


Lead Small Business Development Center: New Jersey
ORGANIZATION:
SBDC Headquarters Operations (Rutgers Graduate School Of Management)

ADDRESS:

University Height
49 Bleeker Street
Newark, NJ 07102-1993

CONTACT: Ms. Brenda B. Hopper, State Director

TELEPHONE: (973) 353-1927

FAX: (973) 353-1110

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.njsbdc.com/

E-MAIL: sbdcinfo@njsbdc.com

Return to top

NEW MEXICO


Lead Small Business Development Center: New Mexico
ORGANIZATION:
New Mexico Small Business Development Center (Santa Fe Community College)

ADDRESS:

6401 Richards Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87505

CONTACT: J. Roy Miller, State Director

TELEPHONE: 1-800-281-SBDC or (505) 428-1362

FAX: (505) 428-1469

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.nmsbdc.org

E-MAIL: N/A

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
WESST Corp (Women Economic Self-Sufficiency Team Corp)

ADDRESS:
414 Silver SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102

CONTACT: Agnes Noonan, Executive Director

TELEPHONE: (505) 214-4753

FAX: (505) 241-4766

INTENRET ADDRESS: http://www.wesst.org

E-MAIL: wesst@swcp.com

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: Mission is to assist women in New Mexico achieve economic self- sufficiency through sustained self-employment. WESST Corp provides management and technical training for women entering the world of business, exploring new business ideas, and operating their own businesses. WESST Corp also helps its clients acquire financial assistance through its revolving loan fund or through other commercial channels.

INFORMATION SERVICES: N/A

AREAS OF INTEREST:
  • Business Consulting Series - A structured series of one-on-one consulting sessions.
  • Training for Business - Short, informational workshops on a variety of topics.
  • Advisory Board - Successful business people available for industry-specific technical assistance.
  • Financial Assistance - Revolving loan fund and help in approaching banks and potential investors.
  • Information Resources - A selection of workbooks and other important business materials.
HOLDINGS: Some videos.

LIMITATIONS: Geographic limitation.

PUBLICATIONS: Quarterly newsletter, brochures on the programs.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership with matching funds from corporations and foundations.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 13 full-time, no part-time, 100+ volunteers.

FOUNDED: 1988

CLIENTELE: 48% idea stage/start-up, 52% existing businesses.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Roswell, Farmington, Las Cruces.

IMPACT ON REGION: Track the number of people they provide technical assistance to, the number of loans extended through their loan fund and default rate, the number of business start-ups, changes in gross receipts.
Return to top

NEW YORK


Lead Small Business Development Center: New York
ORGANIZATION:
Small Business Development Center (State University of New York /SUNY)

ADDRESS:

State University Plaza
41 State Street
Albany, New York 12246-0001

CONTACT: Mr. James L. King, State Director

TELEPHONE: 1-800-732-7232 or (518) 443-5398

FAX: (518) 443-5275

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.nyssbdc.org/

E-MAIL: kingjl@nyssbdc.org

Return to Top

NORTH CAROLINA


Lead Small Business Development Center: North Carolina
ORGANIZATION:
N. Carolina Small Business Technology and Development Center(University of North Carolina)

ADDRESS:
5 West Hargett St
Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27601-1742

CONTACT: Mr. Scott Daugherty, Executive Director

TELEPHONE: 1-900-2580-UNC or (919) 715-7272

FAX: (919) 715-7777

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.sbtdc.org

E-MAIL: sdaugherty@sbtdc.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is a business development service of The University of North Carolina system. The SBTDC provides management counseling and educational services to help businesses in North Carolina meet challenges, manage change, and plan for the future.

INFORMATION SERVICES: perform market research for companies, provide matching system for federal procurement opportunities.

AREAS OF INTEREST: The North Carolina Small business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides management counseling to established firms, High growth companies, and later-stage start-up businesses.

As a university-based organization, the SBTDC promotes lifelong business learning and helps owners and managers gain knowledge essential to improving business processes and creating high-value products and services. SBTDC counselors work with clients to develop a thorough understanding of their needs, then provide high-quality management counseling across a broad range of business-related issues, including:

  • Planning
    • Strategic needs assessment
    • Business plan development
    • Evaluating business feasibility
  • Financing:
    • Identifying sources of capital
    • Financial analysis/management
    • Loan proposals (conventional and SBA)
    • Equity financing (including venture capital)
  • Marketing
    • Market research
    • Customer and competitor analyses
    • Sales and customer service
    • Marketing strategies
  • Human Resources:
    • Recruiting, hiring, and retaining quality employees
    • Motivation strategies
    • Legal considerations
  • Operations:
    • Cost analysis
    • Internal communications
    • e-Business strategies
The SGTDC collaborates with bankers, attorneys, accountants, university faculty and students, and a host of public and private business assistance organizations to ensure that clients* needs are addressed.

The SBTDC also offers specialized market development assistance in the areas of government procurement, international business development, marine trades services, and technology development and commercialization. In addition, the SBTDC has carefully researched and developed educational products to fit the increasingly complex needs of today's small to medium-sized companies. Our educational programs focus on change management, strategic positioning, and leadership development.

HOLDINGS: CD-ROMs.

LIMITATIONS: Must be a small business operating (or planned to operate) in North Carolina.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Capital Opportunities Report (booklet describing all of the funding sources for NC businesses, narratives and explanations explaining programs.
  • SBTDC Annual Report
  • brochures on different programs
  • North Carolina Annual State of Small Business (providing NC small business statistics and a statement about the status of the North Carolina economy).
  • e-Business Resource Guide
  • International Providers Guide
  • How to do Business with the State of North Carolina
  • Newsletter (focusing on technology development and commercialization, Small Business Innovation Research, info of interest to high-growth/high-impact firms and marine trades businesses.
SOURCES OF FUNDING: Annual funding support comes from the University of North Carolina system, the SBA, and the Defense Logistics Agency of the Department of Defense.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 71 full-time, between 5 and 20 graduate students, some paid, some volunteers.

FOUNDED: 1984

CLIENTELE: 20% start-up, 80% in business (service, retail, manufacturing, wholesale, and construction).

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: North Carolina (100 counties).

IMPACT ON REGION: Conduct an annual Impact Survey, track continuous clients' growth.

ORGANIZATION:
Council for Entrepreneurial Development

ADDRESS:
104 T.W. Alexander Dr., Building 1,
RTP, NC 27709

CONTACT: Monica Doss

TELEPHONE: (919) 549-7500

FAX: (919) 549-7405

INTERNET ADDRESS:http://www.cednc.org

E-MAIL:cedinfo@cednc.org

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: To encourage and assist the development of high growth companies in North Carolina, with a focus on companies in the Research Triangle area.

INFORMATION SERVICES: Will be going online as part of a network of incubators.

AREAS OF INTEREST: Primarily an educational organization. Programs and conferences targeted to high growth companies. Focus on business issues. Have free mentoring services. Do public policy work. Put people in touch with capital. Act as a central clearing house for small business and entrepreneurs.

HOLDINGS: Small video library of their programs and conferences. Have bibliographies of free or nominally priced literature ("how to" material).

LIMITATIONS: Services are open to the public. However, focus is on Research Triangle region.

PUBLICATIONS: Newsletter, several brochures, "Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting a Business".

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Privately funded through membership dues and program revenues.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 2 full-time, 1 part-time, hundreds of volunteers.

FOUNDED: January 1984

CLIENTELE: Primarily high growth companies from start-up to on-going, half are high-tech companies and half are other types of companies.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: State of North Carolina.

IMPACT ON REGION: Company formation, jobs created or company expansion.
Return to top

NORTH DAKOTA


Lead Small Business Development Center: North Dakota
ORGANIZATION:
North Dakota Small Business Development Center (University of North Dakota)

ADDRESS:

118 Gamble Hall, UND
Box 7308
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7308

CONTACT: Mr. Walter "Wally" Kearns, State Director

TELEPHONE: 1-800-445-7232 or (701) 777-3700

FAX: (701) 777-3225

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ndsbdc.org

E-MAIL: ndsbdc@sage.und.nodak.edu

Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Lake Agassiz Regional Council

ADDRESS:
417 Main Avenue
Fargo, ND 58103

CONTACT: Irvin Rustad

TELEPHONE: (701) 239-5373

FAX: (701) 235-6706

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.lakeagassiz.com

E-MAIL: info@lakeagassiz.com

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: A regional development organization which assists the cities and counties in southeastern North Dakota with community and economic development.

INFORMATION SERVICES: N/A

AREAS OF INTEREST: Operates a statewide micro-loan program and own and operate a small business incubator.

HOLDINGS: N/A

LIMITATIONS: No social service work.

PUBLICATIONS: The Business Center (incubator) publishes a brochure.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: State, federal and local funding.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 11 full-time, 1 part-time, no volunteers.

FOUNDED: 1971

CLIENTELE: Typically a small community in need of accessing funding for a project or a business- person looking for financial help from the public sector.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: 6 counties in North Dakota.

IMPACT ON REGION: Impact measured by job creation and projects completed.
Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
North Dakota Economic Development & Finance (ED & F)

ADDRESS:
400 East Broadway, Suite 50
PO Box 2057
Bismarck, ND 58502-2057

CONTACT: Linda Butts

TELEPHONE: (701) 328-5300

FAX: (701) 328-5320

INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.growingnd.com/

E-MAIL: lbutts@state.nd.us

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: A state department created to stimulate and support economic development, growth, and diversity in North Dakota.

ED & F's mission is to provide leadership, funding, and quality services designed to stimulate and support economic growth and diversity in North Dakota by promoting business expansions, new businesses, business retention, and targeted business recruitment. This is accomplished by facilitating the creation of new wealth. New wealth is brought into North Dakota through what is called "primary sector" businesses -manufacturing, ag processing, tourism, production agriculture, and telecommunications.

INFORMATION SERVICES: Marketing, economic, and demographic research.

AREAS OF INTEREST:
  • Economic Developers Education Program. Assist 8 regional planning councils in state with money for staffing and grants to businesses.
  • PACE, AGPACE, AGPUC, Beginning Farmer Revolving Loan Fund.
  • Finance, Community Economic Development, International Trade Development, Native American and Women's Business Programs, Research.
  • Various funding programs - Future Fund, Technology Transfer, Inc., Mini-Grants, Regional Rural Development Revolving Loan Fund.
  • A Small Business Administration procurement office, which assists small businesses, and small disadvantaged businesses with federal subcontracting awards, is housed within ED & F.
HOLDINGS: N/A

LIMITATIONS: None. Referrals are given to clients when necessary.

PUBLICATIONS: Brochure collection includes a comprehensive guide to North Dakota's organizational network of economic development agencies and services.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: State general fund, special funds (revenue from selling N.D. Manufacturer's Directories).

NUMBER OF STAFF: 26 full-time.

FOUNDED: 1957

CLIENTELE: Varies - new, expanding or relocating businesses.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: State of North Dakota. Recruiting area - United States, Canada, wherever they find interested parties.

IMPACT ON REGION: Have a tracking system based on their services and client contracts, as well as job service in North Dakota Reports and reports from other economic development entities.

People served - all people in state (636,000). Number of jobs, number of MFG jobs, jobs created from Future Fund,jobs created from PACE.
Return to Top
ORGANIZATION:
Women's Business Institute

ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 9238
901 Page Drive
Fargo, ND 58106-9238

CONTACT: Penny Retzer

TELEPHONE: (701) 235-6488

FAX: (701) 235-8284

E-MAIL: N/A

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: The mission of the Women's Business Institute for Economic Growth is to improve the opportunities for economic and business growth for women entrepreneurs in North Dakota and its surrounding region. The Institute is a public-private partnership directed by Maldan Management Company in cooperation with the U.S. SBA and numerous agencies and organizations which provide services to entrepreneurs.

INFORMATION SERVICES: SBA Online, Entrepreneurs Hotline 1-800-383-6985.

AREAS OF INTEREST: Educational programming and training for entrepreneurs, Growing Strong Business certification program (8 week course, offered on an as-need basis) to help start, grow, or expand a business. Programs are available to women already in business or thinking about a future business. Marketer's Night (marketing relationships and alliances) and Networking Breakfasts -- 2 hour sessions, covering a variety of topics, networking opportunities as well as a speaker. Annual Women's Symposium. Counseling and marketing services available to clients. Referral services for public and private resources. Assistance in finding financing options.

HOLDINGS: Videos on some of their conferences and seminars.

LIMITATIONS: Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the economic and business growth of women-owned businesses. There is a small training fee if you are not a member.

PUBLICATIONS: General brochure, training brochures, "Business Matters," quarterly newsletter sent out statewide, directory of women-owned businesses and products and services available for women-owned businesses. Videotape available in August 1994 on training sessions.

SOURCES OF FUNDING: Funded in part through cooperative agreement #SB-OWBO-93-004 between Maldan Management Company and the SBA, have a 3 year grant, receive membership dues and in kind funds and donations.

NUMBER OF STAFF: 2 full-time, 1 part-time.

FOUNDED: June 1993

CLIENTELE: 33% start-up, 33% on-going, 33% people who already own a business but want to start another.

GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA: North Dakota and some surrounding regions (Canada, Minnesota, Montana).

IMPACT ON REGION: Track number of business start-ups. When send out an application also send a questionnaire. Information is compiled annually (into a database) and is for the SBA's use. Also, have a session evaluation at their training seminars. Ask participants what future needs they anticipate. Only data available statewide for women or about women-owned businesses.
Top of Page Top of Page
  Home >> Business Providers Directory >> States
  The Library of Congress >> Especially for Researchers >> Research Centers
   August 12, 2008
Contact Us:  
Ask a Librarian