ND SBDC celebrating 40-year anniversary on Tuesday, Aug. 4

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers will celebrate its 40th year of no-cost advising, training and partnering with North Dakota small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Members of the media are invited to a celebration on Tuesday that will be held at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the UND campus from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The ND SBDC team and leaders from the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration will offer remarks in celebration of the milestone.

Since 1986, ND SBDC advisors have worked alongside small business owners and entrepreneurs across North Dakota, helping them start, grow, strengthen and transition their businesses. By providing expertise, insights and connections to resources, the ND SBDC supports client success and generates economic impact that strengthens communities across the state.

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

Tiffany Ford, ND SBDC state director, said the 40th anniversary marks both reflection and renewal.

“For four decades, ND SBDC has been a trusted partner for small business owners and communities across North Dakota,” Ford said. “This milestone reminds us how important it is to keep learning, adapting and supporting the people who drive our state’s economy. Our focus is to inspire small businesses to dream boldly, innovate fearlessly and thrive for generations to come.”

About ND SBDC

The 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. The network offers confidential, no-cost business advising and training to help small businesses overcome challenges, scale operations and navigate financial and regulatory landscapes.

ND SBDC services are provided at no cost to clients, thanks to funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Bank of North Dakota and local supporters across the state. In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, a funding disclosure is available on the program’s website.

For more information on ND SBDC programs or services, call 701.777.3700, email leadcenter@ndsbdc.org, visit ndsbdc.org, or connect with us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn).

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Media Contact:

Marnie Schuschke, associate state director
701.777.3700, marnie.schuschke@UND.edu