Celebrating 40 years, our SBDC Network has proudly supported small businesses and entrepreneurs in Southeast Texas since October 1, 1984. For four decades, we’ve fueled growth across the Texas Gulf Coast, driving economic success.
Executive Director
Steve Lawrence
Welcome to the SBDC’s 40th Anniversary celebration! For four decades, the SBDC network has been a driving force in helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. It’s truly remarkable to reflect on the impact we’ve had — supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth across the region.
This anniversary is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our clients, staff, stakeholders, and partners. It’s a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the role we all play in building stronger communities. As we look back on 40 years of success, we also look forward to the next 40, continuing our mission to empower business owners and help them achieve their dreams.
Milestones By Decade
These milestones highlight the growth and evolving focus of the SBDC network over the decades, showcasing how it has adapted to the needs of small businesses.
10 Years: 1984-1994
Founding and Early Success
In 1984, the SBDC network was established with our first office, the Houston Center, located in the historic Hogg Building. In 1985, we opened our first field center at Lone Star College. By the end of the first decade, we had opened a total of nine centers, and in 1987, we began hosting APEX, helping businesses access government procurement opportunities.
20 Years: 1994-2004
Expanding Reach Across the Region
By our 20th anniversary, the SBDC network had grown by five more centers, expanding our services to more entrepreneurs. During the 1990s and early 2000s, we helped small businesses secure SBIR grants to support innovation. This growth allowed us to assist even more businesses with key resources like advising, workshops, and funding opportunities.
30 Years: 2004-2014
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Over these years, the SBDC helped 24,000 clients transition into the digital age through e-commerce and digital marketing support. We also trained businesses to leverage emerging tools like social media and mobile commerce. After the 2008 financial crisis, we provided critical assistance with financial planning and recovery strategies.
40 Years: 2014-2024
A Decade of Impact and Growth
Between 2014 and 2024, we supported 28,681 clients, created 22,440 jobs, and secured over $1.4 billion in funding for entrepreneurs. In 2017, we launched Business Recovery Centers after Hurricane Harvey to help with SBA disaster loans and recovery strategies. In 2020, we received a $4 million CARES grant to aid small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Client Success Stories
For 40 years, the SBDC has empowered entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses through dedication and innovation. Discover inspiring success stories of business owners who have turned their dreams into reality, with support along the way from those who believed in their vision.
The Barn at Bonner Creek
The grand opening of The Barn at Bonner Creek marked the culmination of intense labor and a shared vision brought to life with the SBDC’s assistance.
Vegesty Women's Center
In the world of women's health, Annterria Bruce emerged as a visionary entrepreneur with her businesses, Vagesty and Vagesty Women’s Center.
First Response Urgent Care
Dr. Thi Nguyen also found so much success after the launch of First Response Urgent Care that he had to expand the clinic to another location.
Janissary, LLC
Nathan Yalcin, owner of a service-disabled veteran-owned security and investigations company, sought to expand by acquiring another security firm.
Katy Speech and Language
Alyssa Fairchild, owner of Katy Speech and Language, began her journey with the SBDC when she needed help hiring a full-time team for her first location.
The UPS Store
Alex Coleman, a US Marine and seasoned CPA, transitioned from his role as an auditor to pursue a new mission: opening a UPS Store Franchise.
40th Anniversary Luncheon
The SBDC is proud to host its 40th Anniversary Luncheon on February 18, 2025, at the Junior League of Houston. This special event will celebrate four decades of empowering small businesses and fostering community growth. Highlights include an inspiring keynote speaker, success stories showcasing SBDC’s transformative impact, and a reflection on the achievements that have shaped our mission. Stay tuned for more details about this exclusive celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Open House Events
Join us in celebrating 40 years of empowering small businesses and driving economic growth in our community! Each of our SBDC centers is hosting special open house events where you can meet our team, connect with local entrepreneurs, and learn about the services we provide to help businesses succeed. Discover firsthand how our support-from business advising to training workshops-has helped shape the journeys of countless small business owners.
Fun Facts About Our SBDC Network
These fun facts showcase the extensive impact of the SBDC network throughout the past 40 years, celebrating both the numbers and the success stories behind them.
Workshops and Training Events
Did you know? The SBDC hosts over 250 in-person training classes and webinars, annually, to support business education.
Regional Impact
Our SBDC network supports businesses in 33 counties through specialized consulting and regional resource programs.
Long-Time Partnerships
Many of our business clients have been with us for over 10 years, and we continue to support them as they scale and succeed.
Record Consultations
Our dedicated consultants have provided more than an estimated 1.1 million hours of one-on-one business advising over the past 40 years.
SBDC Network Reach
We’re proud to have a network that includes 14 centers across the country, making us one of the largest business development networks in the U.S.
Diversity in Business
The SBDC network has supports 3,244 minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses in achieving their entrepreneurial goals annually.
Free Consultation Hours
Did you know? SBDC offers over 27,000 hours of free business consulting every year to help businesses thrive.
Client Testimonials
Hear it from them: Over 31% of our clients report increased revenue growth and business success after working with the SBDC.
Contact Us
Get Involved in the Celebration!
We’d love for you to be part of our 40th Anniversary celebration! Whether you’re a partner, entrepreneur, or community member, there are many ways to get involved— from attending events to sharing your own success story. For more information on how you can participate, please reach out to:
Melissa Niles
Email: mniles@uh.edu
Linda Jones-Zbranek
Email: ljoneszbranek@lee.edu
