National Sbdc Day

Celebrated on 03/18/2026

Quick Fact

National SBDC Day, celebrated on the third Wednesday of March, honors the Small Business Development Center network, which provides free consulting and low-cost training to entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 1980, the SBDC network has helped create over 1.6 million jobs and generated $55 billion in new sales.

Origins and Establishment of National Sbdc Day

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1980 through the Small Business Development Center Act. The first SBDCs were launched as pilot programs at universities and community colleges to provide management assistance to small businesses. National SBDC Day was officially proclaimed in 2018 by the SBA and the Association of SBDCs (ASBDC) to recognize the network's impact on entrepreneurship and economic development.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially a small network of 16 centers, the SBDC program has expanded to nearly 1,000 centers across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Modern celebrations include virtual and in-person events such as workshops, success story showcases, and social media campaigns using #NationalSBDCDay. The day highlights the free consulting and low-cost training services that have assisted over 1 million entrepreneurs annually.

Facts & General Observations

• SBDCs have provided over 11 million hours of consulting since 2010, resulting in $55 billion in new sales and over $20 billion in capital formation.
• The SBDC network boasts a 96% satisfaction rate among clients, with 85% of businesses still operating after two years.
• For every $1 invested in an SBDC, the program generates $3.50 in tax revenue and $8 in economic impact.

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