{"id":48327,"date":"2026-08-11T15:20:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T20:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/und-today\/?p=48327"},"modified":"2026-08-11T15:20:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T20:20:37","slug":"north-dakotas-sbdc-turns-40","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/und-today\/2026\/08\/north-dakotas-sbdc-turns-40\/","title":{"rendered":"North Dakota\u2019s SBDC turns 40"},"content":{"rendered":"

Organization\u2019s work has created tens of thousands of jobs in North Dakota, says State Director Tiffany Ford<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
UND Provost Eric Link (left) and Patrick O’Neil, interim dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Affairs, open the fortieth anniversary celebration for the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers. Photo by Joe Banish\/UND Today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In a ceremony held at the North Dakota Museum of Art \u2013 located on UND\u2019s campus — the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers<\/strong><\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

In his opening remarks, Provost Eric Link<\/strong><\/a> praised the work of the organization\u2019s employees in growing North Dakota\u2019s economy and small business landscape.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe work that you do in small business development is fundamental not just to the Nistler College<\/strong><\/a>, but to UND as a whole,\u201d Link said. \u201cIt\u2019s part of our DNA and mission. Major multinational corporations don\u2019t just spring up overnight. The real work of getting people to work and invested in the state happens in small businesses \u2013 with the work that you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tiffany Ford<\/strong><\/a>, state director of the NDSBDC, said despite weathering many economic forces over the years, her organization has remained steadfast in its mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cForty years is a significant milestone for any organization, but especially for one serving entrepreneurs and small businesses,\u201d Ford said. \u201cWe are dealing with a constantly changing and challenging environment. Industries have changed, technology has advanced exponentially, and financing, workforce and market conditions have changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe program\u2019s longevity reflects our ability to adapt, while maintaining our commitment to the highest standard of service quality \u2013 which we all find to be personal missions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Tiffany Ford, state director of the NDSBDC, speaks at the organization’s fortieth anniversary celebration. Photo by Joe Banish\/UND Today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The success of the NDSBDC\u2019s 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 \u2013 creating and retaining over 88,000 new jobs in the process.<\/p>\n

Ford then presented Danielle Jones<\/strong><\/a>, communications manager at NDSBDC, with the organization\u2019s annual State Star Award. The award, which is staff nominated, recognizes employees for exceptional service, commitment and leadership.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer support directly strengthens our network\u2019s work, by helping them remain focused, organized and compliant, while preserving more of their time for serving clients,\u201d Ford said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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