Small Business Development Centers Day, observed every 3rd Wednesday of March, celebrates the invaluable contributions of SBDCs to the nation’s economy. These centers provide critical guidance and resources, helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed. Discover how SBDCs empower local businesses and find ways to support your community’s entrepreneurial spirit.
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Expected Small Business Development Centers Day Deals
Small Business Development Centers Day focuses on recognizing and supporting the entrepreneurial journey, rather than traditional retail deals. Expect many SBDCs to host free webinars, workshops, and one-on-one counseling sessions for aspiring and current business owners. Organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) often highlight success stories and offer special access to resources. Financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo may promote their small business lending programs or educational content. Technology providers like Shopify and Square could offer discounted services or free trials to new businesses. Local chambers of commerce may also run events or provide networking opportunities. We will update this page with confirmed live resources and events as March 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for Small Business Development Centers Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SBDCDay. Share success stories of local businesses you admire or spotlight an SBDC advisor making an impact.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SBDCDay. Share quick tips for entrepreneurs or retweet advice from small business experts and SBDC leaders.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SBDCDay. Post about your favorite local small business and why you support them, or share SBDC resources with your community.
Small Business Development Centers Day Hero
Dwight D. Eisenhower
History of Small Business Development Centers Day
In 1980, President Carter signed into law the legislation enacting the Small Business Development Centers network. The pilot program combined the resources of the government, higher education, and the private sector to support the development of small businesses.
S.B.D.C. Day was first observed in 2017 and The House Committee on Small Business officially recognized the day in 2018. S.B.D.C. Day is a national proclamation of the success of America’s Small Business Development Centers (S.B.D.Cs) in the thriving of the nation’s small businesses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration defines “small businesses” as firms with fewer than 500 employees. There are more than 900 S.B.D.Cs across the United States, dedicated to providing current and prospective entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start, grow, expand, or recover. S.B.D.Cs provide services such as counseling in financing and marketing, guidance on international trade, advice on regulatory compliance, and many more.
There’s at least one Small Business Development Center in every state, the District of Columbia, and its territories. They provide a network of locations throughout the country that assist in a broad range of expertise.
S.B.D.Cs exist as a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (S.B.A.) and a local college or university. These centers aim to help foster small businesses and jobs by providing educational resources to business owners and those looking to start businesses. S.B.D.Cs are key in helping existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace.
S.B.D.Cs aren’t limited to emerging small businesses. If a small business wants to expand, the S.B.D.C. offers assistance as well.
Small Business Development Centers Day timeline
The Association of S.B.D.C. is formed.
America's S.B.D.C. helps start 16,499 businesses.
America's S.B.D.C. provides $5.6 billion in financing and creates over 99,124 jobs nationwide.
With the assistance of the S.B.D.C., a new business is opened around the country every 30 minutes and a new job is created every 5.5 minutes.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Small Business Development Centers Day
Local businesses can celebrate Small Business Development Centers Day by highlighting their own journey and the resources that helped them succeed. Consider hosting an open house or a ‘meet the owner’ event to connect with the community. Offer a special discount or promotion for other small businesses in your area, fostering a spirit of collaboration. Businesses can also partner with their local SBDC to co-host a workshop or informational session, showcasing the valuable services available to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Small Business Development Centers Day FAQs
When is Small Business Development Centers Day?
In 2027, Small Business Development Centers Day will be observed on Wednesday, March 17. It’s a key date for acknowledging the vital support systems that empower small businesses across the nation.
How many Small Business Development Centers are there?
With a presence in every state and U.S. territory, the SBDC program operates through a network of 60 lead centers and nearly 1,000 service locations. These centers collectively support millions of small businesses annually, driving economic growth.
What is the economic impact of small businesses?
Contributing significantly to the national GDP, small businesses generate trillions in economic activity each year. Their resilience and ability to adapt are crucial for job creation and fostering vibrant local communities across America.
What services do Small Business Development Centers provide?
From helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting a new venture to assisting existing businesses with growth strategies and disaster recovery, SBDCs provide comprehensive support. Their expert advisors offer tailored guidance on everything from e-commerce to government contracting.
Small Business Development Centers Day Activities
Help the S.B.D.C.
Volunteer your skills and expertise to the S.B.D.C. This will help an entrepreneur get an easier start in the business world.
Get informed
Learn what else the S.B.D.C. has to offer. This information could help you or a friend in the business journey.
Attend an S.B.D.C. event
Join an event and learn about all the benefits that S.B.D.C. offers to entrepreneurs. You can find out all the info you need by visiting the official website of the association.
5 Amazing Facts About Small Businesses
Lots of small businesses
According to the Small Business Administration's (S.B.A.) Office of Advocacy, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States.
Job creation platforms
America's small businesses employ roughly half of America's private-sector workforce.
Fastest growing sectors
In the world of small businesses, the fastest-growing sectors include auto repair shops, beauty salons, and dry cleaners.
The leading state
California is the state with the highest number of small businesses.
Single owners
70% of small businesses are owned and operated by a single person.
Why We Love Small Business Development Centers Day
It supports small businesses
Owners of small businesses need lots of support as they navigate the murky entrepreneurship world. On this day, they get to know about the assistance that Small Business Development Centers provide.
It’s good for the economy
Small businesses go a long way in supporting the economy. This day celebrates their contribution to that fact.
It’s good for families
When a small business prospers, it benefits more than the economy. The business owner and their family thrive as they're well provided for.
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