Celebrating National SBDC Day and 40 Years of Service

March 18 marks the 10th annual National SBDC Day, a nationwide recognition of the impact Small Business Development Centers have on entrepreneurs and communities across the country.

Here in North Dakota, this celebration carries added meaning. In 2026, the ND SBDC marks 40 years of service to small business owners across our state. Since 1986, our advisors have partnered with entrepreneurs in every region of North Dakota to help them start, grow, transition, and strengthen their businesses.

That work continues to produce measurable results.

In 2025 alone, the ND SBDC advised and trained 2,209 individuals across North Dakota. Our clients secured $144,848,558 in capital formation, supported 5,919 jobs, and launched 161 new businesses. Of those served, 807 were located in rural communities, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that geography is not a barrier to business growth. These outcomes represent real businesses on main streets, in agricultural communities, and in regional centers throughout our state.

While the data tells an important story, what defines our work is partnership. ND SBDC is hosted by the University of North Dakota through the Center for Business Engagement & Development within the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. Through strong collaboration with lenders, local development organizations, state and federal agencies, and community partners, we connect business owners to the right resources at the right time.

What began four decades ago with a focus on business planning and financing has evolved into comprehensive support that now includes digital marketing, cybersecurity, exporting, government contracting, succession planning, and the integration of practical artificial intelligence tools. As North Dakota’s economy changes, so do the needs of our entrepreneurs. Our responsibility is to continue adapting while remaining a steady, trusted resource.

National SBDC Day gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect, but it also invites us to celebrate the people behind the numbers. Throughout the day, we will be sharing stories, milestones, and highlights from across our network, including small business owners, advisors, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. We encourage you to follow along and participate by liking, sharing, and commenting as we recognize the collective impact of small business development in North Dakota.

To our lenders, economic development partners, chambers, advisory board members, program investors, and statewide stakeholders, thank you. Your collaboration ensures that small businesses and entrepreneurs across North Dakota have access to confidential, no cost advising and practical guidance when it matters most.

As we celebrate the 10th annual National SBDC Day and our 40th year of serving our great state, we look ahead with confidence. Our focus remains clear: to meet business owners where they are, help them navigate change with clarity, and support the long-term strength of North Dakota’s small business ecosystem.

When small businesses thrive, communities thrive, North Dakota thrives.
Tiffany Ford, State Director
And all the Staff of the ND Small Business Development Network