SPOKANE, Wash. – The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to join the nationwide celebration of the 10th Annual SBDC Day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This annual event recognizes the vital role SBDCs play in helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive through expert advising and technical assistance.
“SBDC Day highlights the powerful economic impact of SBDCs nationwide,” said Sheryl McGrath, state director of the Washington SBDC. “Through no-cost advising and training, SBDCs help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, creating jobs and strengthening communities across Washington and throughout the country.”
The Washington SBDC is a network of more than 35 business advisors working in communities across the state to provide no-cost, confidential, one-to-one advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, or buy/sell a business. Advisors assist clients in nearly every industry and at every stage of business development.
The impact extends far beyond Washington. According to America’s SBDC 2026 Annual Report, SBDCs nationwide served 272,679 clients in 2025, who in turn generated more than $5 billion in sales, created over 68,000 new full-time equivalent jobs, and delivered nearly a 10-to-1 return on investment for every dollar of public funding. These clients also secured above $5.5 billion in capital to start and expand their businesses.
Here in Washington, that impact is reflected in the success of the clients we serve. Over the past 10 years, Washington SBDC advisors have assisted more than 20,000 business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them start more than 2,200 businesses and create nearly 10,300 jobs. During that same period, clients have credited their SBDC advisor with helping them access nearly $920 million in capital.
Beyond the numbers, client testimonials tell the real story. In Washington and across the nation, entrepreneurs consistently highlight the value of having a trusted advisor who provides guidance, accountability, and encouragement. In fact, the Washington SBDC maintains a 97% client satisfaction rate, and nationally, 96% of clients say they would recommend SBDC services to other business owners.
To celebrate SBDC Day, the Washington SBDC invites clients, partners, and community members to share their small business success stories using #SBDCDay on social media.
The Washington SBDC network is hosted by Washington State University (WSU) and is administered through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and WSU. Approximately half of the SBDC budget is funded by the SBA, with the remaining support provided by state and local funding partners. This state-federal partnership makes it possible for the SBDC to deliver no-cost, confidential, customized technical assistance to entrepreneurs working to start, grow, or buy or sell a business. Typical areas of assistance include cash flow management, loan applications, financial analysis, strategic planning, marketing, export trade, and business systems.
The Washington SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC, the national association representing 63 SBDC programs across the country. Together, this nationwide network works to ensure that entrepreneurs — no matter where they live — have access to trusted, professional business advising and training. Through tailored, data-driven guidance, SBDC advisors help business owners make informed decisions and navigate challenges with confidence.
For more information about the Washington SBDC, visit wsbdc.org.
