The 2,600-square-foot space, located in the former Third Street Gallery location in Eureka’s historic Greyhound Hotel,” gives the center a larger and more efficient office to help its continued growth. The SBDC currently operates from the HSU campus, and maintains a service center at 520 E Street in Eureka.
The move will position the center in the heart of its Humboldt County service area, giving it greater visibility and increasing its potential impact on economic development in the region.
“We are pleased to be moving into the Third Street space and appreciate the University’s support in making this happen,” says Norcal SBDC Region Director Kristin Johnson. “The office has grown substantially since 2006, when HSU became the Northern California host to the program. This move will allow us to continue growing our team and provide closer coordination with our SBDC Service Center in Eureka.”
HSU Facilities Management Planning, Design & Construction worked with the SBDC to design functional office spaces, conference rooms, a break room, and more, while maintaining the character of the restored building. Plans have been submitted to the Eureka Building Department and construction is anticipated to begin this fall. The lease for the space will continue until 2026.
In 2017 the Norcal SBDC expanded considerably, taking over leadership of the Northeastern SBDC to become the fifth-largest SBDC network in the country. It covers 36 North California counties with a network of centers and satellite offices, including the lead center in Eureka. The center is fully supported with grants and contracts. Between 2006 and 2017, the Norcal SBDC counseled nearly 36,000 small businesses, assisted in the launch of more than 2,500 businesses and helped to create more than 18,000 jobs. Visit the Norcal SBDC website for more information.
About the California SBDC Program
The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the leader in providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance needed to become successful. Local SBDCs provide comprehensive and expert guidance on issues such as start-up basics, financing, business and marketing plan development, procurement and government contracting. One-on-one advising is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local partners and is offered at no cost. Consulting is supplemented by low-cost or free seminars and conferences. These services are delivered throughout California via an extensive network of 44 Small Business Development Centers. The California SBDC network serves more than 46,500 small business owners annually. Learn more by visiting the California SBDC website.
About SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the nation’s overall economy. It recognizes that small business is critical to the nation’s economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Learn more by visiting the SBA website.
Note: This story was originally published on August 6, 2019.