National SBDC Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Careers Work
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 3rd Wednesday of March
Holiday emoji:: 💼

National SBDC Day champions the crucial role of Small Business Development Centers every 3rd Wednesday of March. This day recognizes the invaluable support SBDCs provide to entrepreneurs, fostering growth and innovation across the nation. Learn how SBDCs offer expert guidance, training, and resources to help small businesses thrive, and find ways to support local enterprises in your community.

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Expected National SBDC Day Deals

As a Recognition holiday, National SBDC Day focuses on support and resources rather than traditional retail deals. Small Business Development Centers across the U.S. often host free workshops, webinars, and networking events for entrepreneurs. Organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local chambers of commerce may offer special promotions on business resources or mentorship opportunities. Financial institutions such as Bank of America or Wells Fargo might highlight small business lending programs or offer waived fees for new business accounts. Technology providers like Shopify or Square could provide trial extensions or discounts on their services for new sign-ups. We will update this page with confirmed live events and support initiatives as March 18 approaches.

Platform Guide for National SBDC Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSBDCDay. Share success stories of small businesses you’ve helped or been helped by.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalSBDCDay. Spotlight a local small business or an SBDC success story in a short thread.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSBDCDay. Post about your favorite small business and encourage others to share theirs.

National SBDC Day Hero

President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter signed Public Law 96-302 in 1980, creating the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. This legislation formalized a critical support system for small businesses, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to navigate complex economic landscapes and contribute to job creation and economic growth across the United States.

History of National SBDC Day

Small Business Development Centers (S.B.D.C.s) were first created in 1976. S.B.D.C.s provide innovative resources and tools that help start-ups and small businesses find success. On this day, events and conferences are organized across the country to demonstrate the impact of S.B.D.C.s and how business owners can benefit from them. S.B.D.C.s can help businesses every step of the way — from financial and business planning to technology, security, and marketing. S.B.D.C.s have much to contribute to the overall success of small businesses.

National SBDC Day was first observed in 2017. The House Committee on Small Business recognized the day in 2018. National SBDC Day is a national celebration of the success and impact that America’s Small Business Development Centers have had on American start-ups and small businesses. Established by Congress in 1980, S.B.D.C.s provide consulting, training, and resources to existing as well as new small businesses. If you have experienced success as a small business owner and wish to expand further, S.B.D.C.s have the right tools and specialized expertise to help you expand your operations! If you have not yet sought help from S.B.D.C.s, their expertise is probably what you need for your organization to reach its full potential.

National SBDC Day also unites nearly 1,000 centers across America and many more clients who join the celebrations by sharing their success stories and bringing to light how S.B.D.C.s have helped their businesses grow. You can join the National SBDC Day celebrations by attending the events in person, or joining digitally or online. Get help from experts and find out the most sustainable ways to make your business grow.

National SBDC Day timeline

19th Century

The American Civil War

The American Civil War ushers in the era of small businesses.

1920s

The Great Depression

Small businesses suffer terribly during this economic crisis.

1939 — 1945

World War II

Small businesses experience a dip in popularity during WWII.

1943

The National Federation of Small Business

The organization is established to offer support to small businesses.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National SBDC Day

Local businesses can honor National SBDC Day by actively engaging with their local Small Business Development Center. This could involve hosting an open house, offering free consultations for aspiring entrepreneurs, or participating in an SBDC-sponsored event. Retailers can highlight products from local small business suppliers, while service providers might offer special discounts to new small business clients. Consider sharing testimonials about how SBDC support has positively impacted your own business journey.

National SBDC Day FAQs

When is National SBDC Day?

In 2027, National SBDC Day will be observed on Wednesday, March 17, continuing its tradition of recognizing the extensive network of SBDCs. It’s a key day for entrepreneurs to connect with support systems.

What is an SBDC?

SBDCs are a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 centers, often hosted by universities or state economic development agencies. They serve as a critical lifeline for startups and existing small businesses, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

How many SBDCs are there in the U.S.?

The SBDC network comprises 62 lead centers, which oversee nearly 1,000 service locations nationwide. This extensive reach ensures that small businesses in diverse communities can access expert advice and resources, fostering economic development.

Is National SBDC Day a federal holiday?

While not a day off from work, National SBDC Day is a significant recognition day for the small business ecosystem. It encourages participation in events and initiatives designed to support and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, without altering federal work schedules.

How to Observe National SBDC Day

Join an S.B.D.C. event
A great way to celebrate National SBDC Day is by participating in events organized by S.B.D.C.s. Find out the ways to support your small business and how S.B.D.C.s can help you realize your dreams.
Support small businesses
Don’t forget to support small businesses on National SBDC Day. Celebrate the day by buying from small businesses, promoting them, and thanking small businesses for the wonderful work that they do.
Volunteer your skills
Do you have skills that can help small businesses in promoting themselves and reach their full potential? Volunteer your skills on National SBDC Day. You will be making a real difference.

5 Interesting Facts About The U.S. Economy

It’s a huge economy
The U.S. provides services and goods for more than $20 trillion dollars every year.
Canadian tourists spend big
Canadian tourists spend up to $17 billion in the U.S. every year.
One of the world's highest G.D.P. growths
The United States’ G.D.P. grows at about 7% annually.
North America controls a large share
Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. account for 27% of the global G.D.P.
North American trading
12 million people in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. are involved in cross-country trade.

Why National SBDC Day is Important

It supports small businesses
National SBDC Day is an important celebration. It supports small businesses by offering them the tools and resources to reach new heights. The celebrations also encourage potential business owners to get started on their own journeys.
It’s important to the economy
S.B.D.C.s also play a crucial role in the American economy. By creating and supporting small businesses and start-ups, they help the economy to bloom.
It supports innovation
Organizations like Small Business Development Centers support innovation and encourage authenticity. They also allow organizations to try new business models and attempt innovations that haven't been done yet.