SBDC adds technology focus, changes name

The Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University has changed its name to reflect a new focus on technology companies.

The center on Oct. 1 became the Small Business and Technology Development Center. The new moniker is part of a statewide name change for all Missouri Small Business Development Centers.

Tara Horton, training coordinator at the SBTDC, said the center is looking to strengthen the technological competitiveness of Missouri businesses.

"We have a new focus on small technology firms and assisting them in innovation and commercialization of new technology," she said. "We're going to try to help them enhance their technology research and development, technology transfer and technology deployment."

The SBTDC largely will serve as a consultant for businesses involved in areas such as nanotechnology - a sector that's growing in Springfield because of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center.

Horton said the SBTDC intends to partner with JVIC on future initiatives, the first of which is a seminar called "Winning Government Grants for Innovative Research," scheduled for Feb. 25 at JVIC. The cost to attend is $49.

Although it has a new focus, the SBTDC is keeping all of its existing services and tools, Horton added.[[In-content Ad]]