10 Years: 1984-1994
Founding and Early Growth
The SBDC network was officially established in 1984, with the opening of the Houston Center SBDC (UH hosted) in the historic Hogg Building at 401 Louisiana, Houston. This marked the beginning of SBDC’s mission to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs. Over the course of the first decade, the SBDC rapidly expanded its presence across the region, opening eight additional centers:
- 1985: Lone Star College SBDC, The Woodlands, Texas
- 1987: Brazos Valley SBDC, Bryan, Texas (UH hosted)
- 1988: Blinn College SBDC, Brenham, Texas; Brazosport College SBDC, Lake Jackson, Texas; Lamar University SBDC, Beaumont, Texas; Lee College SBDC, Baytown, Texas
- 1990: Angelina College SBDC, Lufkin, Texas
- 1992: Sam Houston State University SBDC, Huntsville, Texas
By 1987, the SBDC network began hosting APEX (formerly known as PTAC), a program designed to help businesses navigate government procurement opportunities, thus enhancing their ability to grow through federal contracts.
The focus of this first decade was establishing a strong regional presence and providing comprehensive support to local businesses in their early stages. SBDC’s approach of hands-on advising, coupled with access to business resources, laid the groundwork for its lasting impact on the region's entrepreneurial landscape.
