The Small Business Development Center is a service of the Small Business Administration that far too many people know of. There is a SBDC lead center in each of the fifty states. California and Texas have multiple lead centers. On a local level there are over 1,000 local centers staffed with experts equipped to help you with your small business.

Whether you see an opportunity for your existing business; you have an idea for a new business; your business faces a challenge; or you want to find a coach to help you, the SBDC is the organization you want to contact. The majority of the services of the SBDC are free. The SBDC also hosts webinars and workshops, some of which have a small fee to participate in, on topics that relate to small business ownership and management.

Listen to this month's Small Business Conversation with Tom Shay visiting with Lisa Shimkat, the state director for Iowa's Small Business Development Center. Visit AmericasSBDC.org to find the SBDC office nearest you.