The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been selected as one of the 14 awardees in the U.S. Small Business Administration‘s (SBA) Regional Innovation Cluster network.
The SBDC, a program at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, provides free advising on how to start, manage and grow a business.
The center, though the college’s foundation, will receive the $2.5 million award over five years to serve as a hub for further small business growth of cutting-edge technologies, including manufacturing and biotechnology.
“We are honored to be recognized and excited to contribute to the growth and success of small businesses in our community,” Daniel Fitzgerald, executive director of the Center of Business Advancement at Southwestern and regional director for the San Diego & Imperial SBDC, said in a release.
“This award will enable us to provide even greater support to local entrepreneurs, helping them to innovate and thrive in today’s competitive market.”
The SBA is expanding the cluster network in hopes of better supporting small businesses and entrepreneurial organizations across the U.S. to further develop technologies and drive the economy.
Locally, the cluster will be co-led by the Brink SBDC at the University of San Diego and Connect’s SBDC program. Support will be provided to help diverse founders navigate equity financing, SBIR and STTR funding, procurement and other growth strategies.
The regional SBDC network includes nine service partners in San Diego and Imperial counties.
Other locations in the border region include the North San Diego SBDC at MiraCosta College in Carlsbad, Imperial Valley SBDC in Imperial, East County SBDC in El Cajon, South San Diego SBDC in National City, Alliance SBDC in Kearny Mesa, International Rescue Committee SBDC in City Heights and the Export SBDC at the World Trade Center San Diego, which specializes in companies expanding to international markets.
Interested entrepreneurs can connect with a business adviser, who works with small business owners, for free. Visit the SBDC or call (619) 482-6391 to find an adviser.
