ND SBDC network staff receives American Business Brokers Association Accredited Business Intermediary certification

Grand Forks, N.D. – The entire team of ND SBDC Center Directors and Business Advisors has achieved the designation of the American Business Brokers Association Accredited Business Intermediary certification. This is a significant step in helping clients with the buying and selling of a business and/or succession planning.

An Accredited Business Intermediary (ABI) certification is earned by an individual trained to possess the necessary expertise to navigate the complex details involved in the sale or purchase of a privately held business. The designation is a professional credential earned by individuals associated with the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), those that have satisfied the work experience and academic requirements, and those that adhere to the ethical standards of the IBBA.

“Our entire client facing staff completed this important and helpful certification earlier this summer,” said Tiffany Ford, ND SBDC state director. “Not only does this give them some great insight and training for the number of business buy/sell clients we already assist, but it positions them to provide even greater assistance with business transition as we see more and more small business owners in our state planning to retire.”

Currently, 66% of the American business market is owned by Baby Boomers. Transitioning ownership of those businesses – either to the next generation or by selling to a new owner – is a vital part of maintaining critical services in communities across the state.

“We pursued this certification in conjunction with the release of our Exit & Succession planning guide,” said Ford. “The new guide is available at all of our center locations as well as on our website and is designed to be used in conjunction with our no-cost services.

“Small businesses are what make our communities thrive across the state and we want to see as many of those businesses as possible continue through an ownership transition.”

ND SBDC is a statewide outreach program of the Center for Business Engagement & Development within the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. Since its inception in 1986, the ND SBDC network has helped business owners and entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their small businesses through confidential, individualized, professional business advising and training workshops. There are nine locations across the state serving clients in all 53 counties with the Lead Center located in Nistler Hall on the UND campus. Services are provided at no-cost to clients thanks to funding from SBA, ND Department of Commerce, and local supporters across the state.

For more information on the ND SBDC programs or services, call (701) 777-3700, email leadcenter@ndsbdc.org, visit https://ndsbdc.org/ or find us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Press Contacts:

Tiffany Ford, 701.777.8700, tiffany.ford@und.edu
Marnie Schuschke, 701.777.6825, marnie.schuschke@und.edu