Our Services

Because the SBDC program is supported by funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Delaware Division of Small Business, and other partners, consulting is provided to you at no charge. However, in exchange for our services, we do require you to provide follow-up documentation that will ensure that the Small Business Development Center continues to be funded. In lieu of payment for the services, we ask you to participate in surveys and provide information regarding your progress in starting and growing your business.

Advisors conduct a majority of their consulting sessions virtually via telephone or Zoom call. In-person meetings may be available subject to an advisor’s availability. The DE SBDC has permanent office locations in Newark and Georgetown and satellite locations in high traffic cities like Wilmington, Dover, etc. When you request advising, you may indicate your location and the SBDC will match you with advisors that fit your location needs.

SBDC staff are experienced business management advisors. Many possess first-hand business experience and hold advanced degrees in business management. That being said, the information and services provided by the SBDC are advisory in nature, and do not take the place of industry experts, such as lawyers, accountants, tax professionals, etc. The information provided by our advisors is not designed or intended to provide authoritative financial, accounting, investment, legal, or other professional advice. If expert assistance in any of these areas is required, the services of a qualified professional should be sought.

Delaware SBDC advisors will work with you to understand your needs and develop strategies for solving your small business problems. SBDC consultants do not do the work for you, they provide guidance, information, advice and resources that you, the business owner, need to successfully manage and grow your business. It is your responsibility as the client for taking measurable steps to start or grow your business and commit to working on and completing the agreed upon action items. The SBDC will not negotiate on your behalf, write or create business plans or materials, or act as an employee of your business.

The SBDC is an educational program that helps business owners or potential business owners increase their knowledge and skills to create, operate, and grow successful businesses. It is the business advisor’s job to ask the tough questions and bring up potential problems that the business may encounter. A business advisor will provide feedback that is honest and market-based.

Because this program cares about the quality of services provided, and because it is primarily funded with public support, you will be asked to participate in surveys to ascertain the quality and impact of services provided to you. Your candid feedback is critical to the long-term success of the Delaware SBDC.