The Washington State Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will be housed within the Washington State University Economic Development and Extension office, led by newly appointed Vice President John C. Gardner. The move is part of the university’s drive to create more collaborative relationships with economic development entities across the state.
The new move will also give the SBDC and WSU better visibility within Washington state, and is consistent with WSU President Elson S. Floyd’s vision for the university’s work with the Washington Economic Development Association. As part of that vision, WSU is taking steps to focus its talents across the university system and the state in a move toward local economic development.
“It is our hope that the SBDC can help lead a state-wide emphasis on entrepreneurship,” Gardner said. “We want to see small business applications that fit locally rural or urban, technology-based or service-based.”
The SBDC was housed within the WSU College of Business for 27 years. The transition, which will not have an effect on the external workings of the SBDC, will take place over the next several weeks and be complete by Dec. 31, 2007. The SBDC will continue to be a partner in CB initiatives across the state. They will continue to partner with the CB on Economic Development Administration projects, the placement of MBA interns, and projects involving student groups such as Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). They will also continue to provide judges for the CB’s business plan competition.
“These changes are positive steps toward enhancing the visibility of the SBDC as a WSU economic development outreach program,” said Brett Rogers, State Director of the Washington SBDC. “Both the SBDC and WSU are committed to the continued economic development of Washington state, and the changes taking place will allow us to maintain momentum toward our goals.”
“I feel privileged to have worked with Brett and the SBDC over the years,” said Eric Spangenberg, Dean of the College of Business. “They have been a vital tool to our college, and will continue to be a valuable asset to us as we develop the next generation of innovative and entrepreneurial business leaders.”
The SBDC works to promote economic vitality within Washington communities. They operate 23 satellite offices across the state, with plans underway to open another three. They provide one-on-one, confidential assistance at no charge for management and technical business affairs such as the starting, purchase, or sale of a business; choosing and incorporating new technology; financial management; business plan development; market plan development; and business research. Moving forward, they will consider expanding offerings, specifically for “bottom-up” entrepreneurial endeavors in collaboration with other institutions across the state.
The Washington SBDC is increasingly recognized as a premier economic development resource for business retention, expansion, and entrepreneurial development. It is a cooperative effort of Washington State University, Western Washington University, Washington state community colleges, economic development organizations, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information, visit them online at www.wsbdc.org.
