About Us » Program History
Program History
Since its inception in 2003, the Northeastern California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) has evolved into a network of five community college based centers operating under the guidance of the Northeastern California Regional Director located at the California State University, Chico.
The Northeastern California SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in one-to-one sessions to help test a new business proposition, shape a business plan, or investigate funding opportunities. Addressing topics ranging from compliance issues to marketing tactics, SBDC programs serve to inform and assist entrepreneurs with the many tasks a new business owner faces.
Last year (2009), working with our clients we:
- Advised 3,052 clients
- Provided 12,871 hours of counseling
- Held 604 business management training sessions
- Instructed 6,380 training session attendees
- Created 91 new businesses
- Helped create 436 jobs and retain 429 jobs
- Helped clients increase sales by $20,803,566
- Facilitated 73 small business loans for a total dollar amount of $9,880,417