Transforming a business idea into a successful profit generating organization is a daunting task. Entrepreneurs must have the driving passion and a “toolbox” full of business skills that can be accessed in a moment’s notice to address daily business challenges and opportunities. When businesses need specialized technical assistance to address marketing, finance, strategic planning, and technology issues, they access the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center at Bryant College to metamorphose their potential challenges into profitable opportunities. The Small Business Development Center program is celebrating its twentieth anniversary nationwide. The original pilot program was modeled after the successful Agricultural Extension services program that facilitated “best farming” practices developed at colleges and universities to the land owner in agricultural regions around the country.
The United States Congress created the enabling legislation to create a “best practices” technical assistance program for business owners. Statistics show that the SBDC nationwide network has helped thousands of businesses each year resulting in a positive financial return on the investment by creating jobs across the nation.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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The RISBDC program began at Bryant College in 1982. Recent results indicate that businesses that use RISBDC services show an approximate increase in sales of 17% as compared to businesses that did not use the specific technical assistance offerings.
The success of the Rhode Island SBDC program is attributed to the private-public partnership that leverages available resources to create a “win-win” opportunity for the Rhode Island business community. The United States Small Business Administration, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, Bryant College, BankBoston, and the Providence Plan have made significant financial investments in the development of the RISBDC network. In addition, chambers of commerce, the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Service, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Center for Women and Enterprise Providence as well as other partners in the business community have made valuable in-kind and advisory contributions into the program.
The RISBDC is empowered to assist small and medium sized business that have less than 500 employees and have sales less than $50 million. Training programs are offered around the state on a monthly basis focused on critical business skills. One-on-one consulting is offered to qualified businesses at each of the five RISBDC offices located around the state. In addition, the RISBDC responds to specific industry related challenges that affect the business community as well as the regional economy. Recent task force initiatives have focuses on the oil heat distributors and certification for minority contractors.
The RISBDC is proud to be a sponsor of the 2000 RI Salute to Small Business. The RISBDC website at www.risbdc.org is a robust resource for business owners who are focused on growing their profitable businesses. Congratulations to each of the recipients in 2000.
