SBDC long-term clients generated 67,800 new jobs in 1998. Small businesses helped by SBDCs have a higher survival rate than other small companies. This is one federal program that actually makes money for the government. This couldn't come at a worse time. As our economy slows and more workers face layoffs and early retirement, new business startups actually increase.
More people begin their own companies when the economy is bad than when the economy 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 the USA for the last 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 aren't rich and powerful.