Small Business Development Center Receives National Accreditation

Fri., Jan 25, 2008
Program Recognized for Its Quality and Impact
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management has been awarded full accreditation from the Association of Small Business Development Centers, the national accrediting body for Small Business Development Centers under contract from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The accreditation review process, mandated by Congress, is based upon a strict set of standards guided by the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Awards to assure that SBDC programs are operating efficiently and effectively. Failure to achieve accreditation can result in withdrawal of federal funding.

A team composed of the leaders of the SBDC programs in Washington, Oregon and Oklahoma conducted the state view in October 2007. The team assessed several areas of the program including leadership and organizational management, the strategic planning process, client and stakeholder focus, service delivery, and program performance. These standards ensure that the public investment in the program from the federal government, the state government and local universities and colleges is resulting in strong returns for the State’s economy. The Massachusetts program was fully accredited during the second week of January without any conditions, a commendable achievement.

In particular, the accreditation team commended the Massachusetts program for positioning itself as a key player in the Commonwealth’s economic development strategy through innovative program development, outstanding stakeholder engagement and highly professional and experienced staff.. The team also noted that the program has differentiated itself from other technical assistance providers and is perceived as the gold standard in technical assistance delivery in the State.

The latest impact study conducted in 2007 (for in-depth clients advised during calendar year 2005) indicated that MSBDC clients generated and reserved 2,796 jobs, generated $123.1 million in sales and over $8.9 million in tax revenues.

For more information on the Mass Business Development Centers’ services and impact, visit: www.msbdc.org