Four Decades of Impact: ND SBDC’s 40th Anniversary

In 2026, the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) will mark 40 years of providing no-cost advising, training, and support to small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state. Since its founding in 1986, ND SBDC has helped business owners start, grow, and transition businesses that strengthen their communities.

“This milestone reflects the incredible work of our advisors and staff over the past four decades,” said Tiffany Ford, State Director of the ND SBDC. “For 40 years, we have worked alongside North Dakota business owners, helping them dream boldly, innovate fearlessly, and thrive for generations to come.”

Hosted by the University of North Dakota through the Center for Business Engagement & Development within the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, ND SBDC is part of America’s SBDC network. The program connects local businesses to national expertise, practical tools, and trusted advisors at no cost to the business owner.

Over the past 20 years alone, ND SBDC has assisted and trained more than 22,000 clients, supported over 2,200 business starts, and helped generate $1.43 billion in capital formation across North Dakota.

For four decades, ND SBDC has evolved to meet the changing needs of business owners. What began with a focus on business planning and financing now includes digital marketing, cybersecurity, exporting, succession planning, and, more recently, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into client services.

Mary Beth Votava, Assistant State Director – Programs & Development, said: “The most rewarding part of this work is watching small business owners turn uncertainty into confidence. We have walked alongside people as they took a chance on an idea, faced challenges, and celebrated successes. Seeing those businesses grow, create jobs, and give back to their communities is what makes this work so meaningful.”

Through partnerships with lenders, local development organizations, and state and federal programs, ND SBDC helps business owners access capital, strengthen proposals, and make informed decisions. Advisors meet clients where they are—on main streets, in industrial parks, or within tribal and rural communities—connecting them to the programs and expertise needed to succeed.

Patrick O’Neill, Interim Dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, added: “The ND SBDC’s 40th anniversary reflects its sustained leadership and meaningful contributions to North Dakota’s economy. We are proud to host the ND SBDC and continue working together to strengthen small businesses and support job creation statewide.”

Looking ahead, ND SBDC is leveraging AI to improve both internal efficiency and client advising, while partnering with UND on student projects and employment opportunities that provide hands-on experience in marketing, finance, and AI development.

ND SBDC will celebrate its 40th anniversary throughout 2026 with initiatives that reconnect with past clients, spotlight long-term business success, and engage community partners to recognize the statewide impact of small business development.

For more information, visit ndsbdc.org.