SBDC clients generated 67,800 new jobs in 1998. Small businesses helped by SBDCs have a higher survival rate than other small companies. Yet, Mr. Bush has proposed cutting the SBDC program by 14 percent. This couldn't come at a worse time. As our economy slows, and more workers face lay-offs and early retirement, business startups actually increase.
More people begin their own companies when the economy is bad than when it is good.
Historically, this has meant SBDCs have seen their client load increase as well. Remember, small businesses have been the major generator of jobs in this country for the past decade. As we face an economic downturn, we want to do everything possible to try to help create jobs. That means providing help for small companies because small companies create jobs. The people who use the SBDC network are not rich and powerful.