Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with state and local governments, the educational community and the private sector, the SBDC provides business management and technical assistance, training, and research to small business owners to improve their profitability and stimulate growth.

The Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network provides the entrepreneur with education and training opportunities which cover a wide range of business topics. Research, both basic and applied, is available, giving the small business person more relevant data from which to draw upon for making decisions.

The SBDC also acts as a clearing house by referring clients to other existing business programs, such as those sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Chamber of Commerce and many education institutions, public and private sector organizations. The concept of the SBDC is implemented through the assistance and cooperation of SBA. Nine (9) basic service centers throughout Mississippi are available to assist small business firms.

A Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can offer, at no cost to you, the following services:

• In-depth counseling assistance to ensure more successful startups of new enterprises and to strengthen existing firms.
• Business plans and loan packaging assistance.
• Small business workshops/seminars.
• The Small Business Institute Program.
• Assistance to minorities, women, veterans, the handicapped, exporters, inventors, research and innovation and international trade.
• Referral system linking other small business assistance organizations in the SBDC regional locations.
• Interaction program between Mississippi educational institutions, businesses, and government.