In 1979 Jimmy Carter signed into law the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA implemented the Small Business Development Center Program to provide assistance and enhance economic development for small businesses. Located in the Hobart Taylor building in room 1B117, the SBDC is open Monday through Friday from eight to five. Director Dan Rhodes, whose position involves networking and community involvement, says he’s passionate about helping people go into business. Rhodes helps small businesses and cities with under developed economies understand their dynamics, strengths and weaknesses.
The SBDC holds a luncheon every third Wednesday of the month in Hempstead, Texas where these issues are discussed. Price of attendance is ten dollars. The SBDC helps people who are in business or plan to go into business with business plans, financials, marketing, competition and research.
“The SBDC’s main goal is to help the communities bring capital into their community for businesses and increase the number of jobs in their community,” says Rhodes.
When asked how students could benefit from working with the SBDC Rhodes remarked that “it’s extremely important that everyone understands how to do business regardless of your major. We serve everybody.”
Gary Henton II, a freshman business major agreed with Rhodes. “Working with the SBDC gave me a better understanding of how to interact with others when conducting business. Now I know the amount of work it takes to actually start and maintain a successful business.” SBDC offices receive funding from Congress and individual schools. There are 1100 centers around the country.