The most up to date Applied Business Research and analytical methods will be used to identify best business practices for small businesses. This information is collected and disseminated to small business users through our resource center network.

 

This research will provide small business owners with the needed knowledge to make the best practical decisions in identifying the market for their products and services and pricing and financial strategies.

 

In cooperation with local businesses, collaborative partners, and designated USDA/Rural Development employees, the Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED)  provides consulting services to existing and new businesses.

DCED Offers Free Consulting Services through the SBI

A new program to improve the economic health of Delaware businesses by providing free consulting services and business solutions is now available through the Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED). The Small Business Institute® is a national program that will operate at Delaware State University (DSU) within the College of Business under the management of DCED.   The SBI began as a funded program in the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1972. More than 500 universities and colleges have participated in the SBI program with approximately 134 schools participating in 2004. In 1996, the program became independent of the SBA and is currently administered by the Small Business Institute®. 

 

The primary goal of the SBI program is to provide high quality field-based business consulting to small business clients while providing an extraordinary learning experience for university MBA students. The program will use student teams of two to four, under faculty supervision, to conduct in-depth consulting and field case projects to analyze and create solutions for local small businesses. The SBI team and the SBI Director will meet frequently with the small business owner over the course of the academic term to learn about the owner’s goals, understand the business’s history, observe operations, and to identify opportunities and specific problems. The teams will then conduct in-depth consulting and field case projects to develop and propose options for local small businesses. At the semester’s end, each SBI student team will deliver a comprehensive written and oral report recommending courses of action or solutions with the end result to improve the economic health of client businesses whenever possible. Small business owners can receive additional information on the SBI, by contacting Ms. Ilona Figat at 302-857-6953 or by email at ifigat@desu.edu.