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Virginia SBDC Network
4031 University Drive
Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 277-7700
www.virginiasbdc.org
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In This Issue:
- Information for Economic Developers
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March 2004 - Information for Economic Developers
The Virginia Small Business Development Centers Network will exhibit at the VEDA Spring Conference in Williamsburg, March 18-19. We look forward to seeing you there.
Many of the SBDCs have long-established relationships with the economic development organizations in their region. The SBDCs directly deliver and enthusiastically support activities to enhance the economic strength of their communities. Some examples of SBDC involvement with economic development organizations include:
 support for local and state business retention and attraction programs
professional management consulting for expanding and new businesses
timely and affordable management training seminars for business owners
insightful participation on economic development advisory committees and
boards
valuable resource for business incubators
active membership in chambers of commerce
As you consider the resources in your community that will help you meet the needs of your businesses, be sure to include the local SBDC on your list. Here is what a few of your colleagues in Virginia say about their local SBDC:
".... Our partnership with the SBDC has been instrumental in the securing and advancing the economic vitality of the Northern Shenandoah Valley...."
"As a regional economic development organization representing seven municipalities in Central Virginia, the Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership has relied on the Region 2000 SBDC to support, stimulate, and encourage our region’s small business community. .... Going forward, we will certainly continue to look to our local SBDC to help us achieve and sustain our growth targets.... across the seven municipalities."
".... the [SBDC] is an integral component of what we have to offer small, emerging companies. Together, we facilitate their growth and success."
".... the [Economic Development Authority Board of Directors] has voted for five consecutive years to award financial grants supporting the SBDC, an organization that is very important to our emerging business community."
"The Small Business Development Center plays an important role in the growth and development of Hampton...."
".... Without the local SBDC office, I would work twice as hard and get half as much done!"
".... the SBDC is able to enhance the economic landscape of our region.... Having been an SBDC Director, I know how valuable these services are ...."
The Virginia SBDC network is the most extensive business development program in the Commonwealth. We are an organization of 29 local SBDCs across Virginia providing professional business counseling, training and information resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses. In 2003, over 4600 business owners received one-on-one counseling and 7400 attended a training seminar at their local SBDC. Business owners and managers can count on professional guidance, experienced insight, practical solutions and respect for confidentiality when they work with a local SBDC. The network is a strategic alliance between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Mason Enterprise Center of George Mason University, educational institutions, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. To find the center serving your community, visit www.virginiasbdc.org/statemap.html.
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