North Dakota’s SBDC turns 40

Organization’s work has created tens of thousands of jobs in North Dakota, says State Director Tiffany Ford

On Aug. 4, University leaders and business advisors gathered to celebrate a milestone anniversary of an organization that has played an outsized role in launching many small businesses across North Dakota.

In a ceremony held at the North Dakota Museum of Art – located on UND’s campus — the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (NDSBDC) celebrated 40 years of providing resources for the state’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. The entity is part of a nationwide network known as the Association of Small Business Development Centers, and gets funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In his opening remarks, Provost Eric Link praised the work of the organization’s employees in growing North Dakota’s economy and small business landscape.

“The work that you do in small business development is fundamental not just to the Nistler College, but to UND as a whole,” Link said. “It’s part of our DNA and mission. Major multinational corporations don’t just spring up overnight. The real work of getting people to work and invested in the state happens in small businesses – with the work that you’re doing.”

Tiffany Ford, state director of the NDSBDC, said despite weathering many economic forces over the years, her organization has remained steadfast in its mission.

“Forty years is a significant milestone for any organization, but especially for one serving entrepreneurs and small businesses,” Ford said. “We are dealing with a constantly changing and challenging environment. Industries have changed, technology has advanced exponentially, and financing, workforce and market conditions have changed.

“The program’s longevity reflects our ability to adapt, while maintaining our commitment to the highest standard of service quality – which we all find to be personal missions.”

The success of the NDSBDC’s mission is evident in the data, Ford noted. The organization has helped launch more than 4,300 new businesses in its 40 years of operating in North Dakota – creating and retaining over 88,000 new jobs in the process.

Ford then presented Danielle Jones, communications manager at NDSBDC, with the organization’s annual State Star Award. The award, which is staff nominated, recognizes employees for exceptional service, commitment and leadership.

“Her support directly strengthens our network’s work, by helping them remain focused, organized and compliant, while preserving more of their time for serving clients,” Ford said.