Small business growth and local economic impact: Alameda County Small Business Development Center

 

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has its roots in the Great Depression, when President Herbert Hoover created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to provide federal loans to businesses harmed by the era’s economic collapse. In subsequent years, the federal government continued to invest in businesses through various lending and educational programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a descendant of these initial government commitments to business.  It was founded in 1953 and according to its website, has delivered millions of loans, contracts, counseling, and other forms of assistance to small businesses. The SBA dedicates these resources because it believes that the success of small business contributes to the nation’s economic health and enables the United States to remain competitive.

The SBA accomplishes these goals in part through the Office of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which support local economies by operating branch locations.  The Alameda County SBDC provides services that are intended to impact the bottom lines of businesses that in turn build the local economy. Clients that meet its criteria are those businesses that are at least one year old, employ at least five people, are profitable and cash-flow positive, and ready to reap the benefits of the Alameda County SBDC's advising services.  The Alameda County SBDC’s counselors and advisors assist clients with business plans, capital sourcing, procurement, product pricing, marketing, restaurant operations, intellectual property, human resources, manufacturing, international trade, and start-up businesses.  In addition, the Alameda SBDC hosts several seminars each month and maintains relationships with other groups offering assistance to small businesses. 

The Alameda County SBDC is located at 1330 Broadway, Suite 705, Oakland, Calif. 94612 and can be reached by phone at (510) 208-0410.