May 17, 2021 by Primary Funding
With over 1,000 centers nationwide, the Small Business Development Center network, or SBDC, is the largest business assistance organization in the United States. Their top priority is to empower small business creation and expansion, to achieve job creation and retention, capital investments, and dynamic innovation that improves quality of life in the region.
About the SBDC and Its COVID-19 Response
2020 was an unprecedented year due to the pandemic, and the SBDC was in our community helping small businesses get through it. Here are just a few of the highlights on how they helped and supported small businesses here locally:
- $103 million in disaster capital due to SBDC assistance
- 4,400 businesses assisted related to COVID-19
- Shift in March to 100% online assistance, including trainings and one-on-one business advising
- Continued success of “Connecting with Capital”, showcasing the changing lending market
- Another successful San Diego Angel Conference, helping to foster local angel investment
- Helping small business access over $200 million in government contracts through programs like Meet the Buyers
The San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network provides a vast array of no- and low-cost support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through its nine locations listed below:
- North San Diego SBDC (Mira Costa College) in Carlsbad
- Imperial Valley SBDC (Imperial Regional Alliance) in Imperial
- East County SBDC (East County Economic Development Council) in El Cajon
- South San Diego SBDC (Southwestern College) in National City
- Alliance SBDC (Asian Business Association of San Diego with the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and the
- San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) in Kearny Mesa
- International Rescue Committee SBDC in City Heights
- The Brink SBDC at the University of San Diego, a specialty SBDC for innovation-based companies
- Connect SBDC, a specialty SBDC for innovation-based companies
- Export SBDC at the World Trade Center San Diego, a specialty SBDC for companies expanding to international markets
Primary Funding and SBDC Resources
It’s worth noting that Primary Funding is a proud supporter of the SBDC. Most recently Primary Funding’s Fernando Ponce, regional business development officer, was a guest on the regional SBDC’s “Meet the Lender” series. Watch the interview here.
“If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, it’s worth your time to look into the SBDC and learn more about the variety of resources they have available,” Fernando said. “They offer training workshops on things like how to start your business, financing your business, operations, accounting, marketing, and a lot more.”
Primary Funding will also be partnering with the SBDC for a July 20 webinar, Cash Flow Solutions for Your Business. Businesses which are experiencing cash crunches due to rapid growth, delays in payments from customers, and other obstacles, this webinar is for you. Get more information and register here.
The SBDC also has experienced advisors and trainers ready to assist you in starting, growing, and succeeding with your small business. If you’re located in the San Diego and Imperial counties, explore this website to learn more.
