New York Small Business Development Center

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.

We work with real people and real businesses. Our assistance helps people like you achieve real success, as it has for more than 30 years.

Since
1984
582,806
New York State Citizens have been helped
$8.7B
used to start or expand businesses
263,997
jobs have been created or saved

News & Updates


Olean Times Herald: Gardner Chiropractic feted as NY Family Owned Business of the Year8/21/2023


OLEAN — Gardner Chiropractic in Olean was honored with the New York Small Business Development Center's Family Owned Business of the Year Award. Founders Emily and Sam Gardner launched their business in December 2021, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, the firm expanded its services, with Emily Gardner acknowledging the critical support from the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Community College SBDC's Dan Hickman. The ceremony also saw Sonya Smith, the NY SBDC director, and state Sen. George Borrello applauding the Gardners' entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of SBDC programs.


NYSBDC State Director Sonya Smith Shines Light on the Vital Role of Small Business Development Centers in Fueling Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development, and New York’s Higher Education System6/22/2023


Albany, NY – New York State Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) State Director, Sonya Smith, testified in front of the House Committee on Small Business during their hearing, "Assisting Entrepreneurs: Examining Private and Public Resources Helping Small Businesses." During her testimony, Smith showcased the critical ways that Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), administered by SUNY, foster entrepreneurship, assist in workforce development, and play a key role in linking New York State's business pipelines with its higher education ecosystem.


The NYSBDC Launches First Annual Client Awards Roadshow6/16/2023


The New York State Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) has launched its first annual Client Awards Roadshow, a state-wide celebration and acknowledgment of outstanding small businesses throughout New York. Last week, the inaugural Roadshow kicked off in Long Island with Port Jeff Bowl (Community Impact Business) and Atlantic Truckworks (Growth Business). The NYSBDC Client Awards Roadshow will visit all nine award-winning businesses this summer, bringing elected officials, business leaders, NYSBDC staff, host institution leadership, and loved ones together to celebrate their accomplishments and the local SBDC's positive impact on their communities.


Gerianne Stevens Appointed Associate State Director of Finance and Operations at New York Small Business Development Center4/23/2023


The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerianne Stevens as Associate State Director of Finance and Operations. Stevens brings over 20 years of experience in financial administration, sponsored programs, and a deep understanding of system operations, grants, and finances.


The New York SBDC continues to strengthen its statewide network, announcing Kevin McGoldrick as its inaugural Director of Marketing & Communications3/9/2023


"Kevin's appointment is just one of the many exciting steps we're taking to enhance the future of the New York SBDC. His experience in education and building communication ecosystems will help us build a solid network-wide approach to telling our story," said Sonya Smith, New York SBDC State Director. Previously McGoldrick helped kickstart communications for UC San Diego's Design Lab and was a partner at ChamberlaynePR, a strategic communications and public relations firm based in San Diego.


Press Release: New York SBDC Expands Government Contracting Education for NYS Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses1/3/2023


We are pleased to announce in this press release that the New York Small Business Development Center is starting the new year with a new module in EntreSkills™, its online entrepreneurial education tool. This new module focuses on New York State Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Certification and helps business owners determine if their businesses are eligible. It also details documentation requirements, the application process, and certification benefits and introduces other programs for which an MWBE-certified business may qualify. EntreSkills is available at no cost to all NYS small- and medium-sized business owners.


Press Release: Crowdfund Better Launches Certified Advisor Program1/3/2023


“The New York SBDC leadership and network of business advisors see the importance of educating staff to stay on top of changes in the business and financial environment. We strive to improve our services for the small business community by partnering with organizations like Crowdfund Better who provide expertise and training resources,” said Sonya Smith, State Director, New York SBDC. “Five of our New York SBDC advisors, located at regional centers, will go through the certification program to provide coverage across New York State to clients requesting information on the basics of crowdfunding.” Business Advisors from the NYSBDC will be the first in the U.S. to participate in this groundbreaking program to bring crowdfunding education and tools to their clients.


The Post-Journal: Advisers Forecast ‘Great Year’ For Small Businesses1/2/2023


The Post-Journal in Jamestown, NY, interviewed NYS Small Business Development Center at JCC Regional Director Dr. Courtney Curatolo on the increase in small business startups and regional developments throughout 2022. Curatolo highlights numerous factors that have contributed to the rise and SBDC resources available to assist."As small businesses increase in the region, Curatolo said the SBDC is available to help small business owners become successful. She explained the SBDC is a free service for any small business with less than 500 employees."


More news...
Sign Up for Email Updates

When anyone asks us about our process, we always tell them to go get themselves an advisor at the SBDC - it was one of the smartest first decisions we could have made.”

Jackie Brown and Amna Ali
Gather Greene
Mid-Hudson SBDC