PROGRAM IS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL SBDC EXPANSION INITIATIVE
San Antonio (January 30, 2013) – The International Trade Center at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Institute of Economic Development announced today that it hosted a delegation from SBDCBelize, a newly launched Small Business Development Center (SBDC), January 22 – 25.
During the 4-day visit, the delegates met with directors and staff of the various centers and specialty centers with the Institute for Economic Development and Southwest Texas Border SBDC Network. Best practices and practical direction was provided to give SBDCBelize the best chance to succeed in creating economic impact in Belize.
“We had frank conversations about the realities of running a high-performing SBDC and SBDC Network. Our South-West Texas Border SBDC Network has been very successful, but it is because we strive to meet the demands of the small business community and prepare our advisors with professional development and resources to provided relevant services. We want SBDCBelize to succeed in the same way,” said Albert Salgado, Director, South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center Network.
This visit is part of the International SBDC Expansion Initiative, a program to advise foreign governments on how to successfully launch Small Business Development Center (SBDC) networks throughout the Americas. The International Trade Center, in partnership with the UTSA Institute for Economic Development and with the support of the Organization of American States (OAS), the US Mission to the OAS and Caribbean Export, has been helping Caribbean countries develop US-modeled SBDC networks.
SBDCs, established throughout the US by the federal government in partnership with universities and colleges, assist entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing and growing their businesses through a free and confidential suite of advising services. Services include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, business strategy, financial planning, marketing, production and professional networking. The Centers support new and existing businesses.
The International Trade Center at UTSA is one of the largest and most successful trade assistance organizations in Texas. It helps companies become globally competitive through technical trade consulting, customized market research and innovative training programs. The center is a specialty SBDC program in the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network. Follow them on Twitter (@TexasTrade) and like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/texastrade).
For more information on the project, visit http://www.sbdcglobal.com/index.php/us/international-sbdc.html.
