The SBDITC: Professional Help For Small Businesses
by Liz Anderson
MThe SBDITC: Professional Help For Small Bunesses
(Third article in a series.)
In this article we overview the variety of FREE resources available at the Small Business Development and International Trade Center (SBDITC) and Business Resource Center (BRC) in National City.
The SBDITC’s central mission is to provide a comprehensive, one-stop source of assistance to San Diego County’s small businesses by providing training and counseling programs.
One-on-one counseling is available in all major areas of business including business planning and management, creating a business plan, legal structure, licenses and permits, import/export regulations, trade leads, marketing services, advertising, cash flow management, financial analysis and sources of capital for growth. Counseling is also available in Spanish. The Business Resource Center offers current information to help build a business from the ground up.
The SBDITC also offers a variety of seminars and workshops for different business stages and issues. An up-to-date listing of these events is available on the website www.sbditc.org. If the event will be located at the SBDITC, you can also register online.
At the BRC, you will find dedicated internet workstations, so users can surf the web to gather resources and leads. There are extensive up-to-date CD-ROM databases which provide information on all aspects of business including development, marketing, demographics and economic trends. The BRC also has a library on how to start over 200 businesses.
Use of the BRC is free to the public, but appointments are recommended for first time visitors. Appointments are required for free one-on-counseling. To schedule an appointment, call (619) 482-6391. SBDITC staff will assess your needs and determine the best counselor to assist you. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to take your call.
The SBDITC opened at Southwestern College in 1988, but now has moved to the Higher Education Center in National City. The new location is 880 National City Blvd. in National City, CA 91950.
In North County, there is a Small Business Development Center located at 1823 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054. Their number is (760) 795-8740.
