Wyoming SBDC Network Receives Technology Accreditation

The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network recently received technology accreditation through the Association of SBDCs’ accreditation committee.

The committee works in conjunction with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide accreditation for all SBDC programs across the country. Only 15 of the 63 SBDCs in the U.S. have obtained the technology designation.

The technology designation is given to SBDCs that demonstrate an integration of technology commercialization assistance for small businesses throughout the organization. The technology assistance includes supporting businesses in all aspects of product development; intellectual property; commercialization processes; those applying for small business innovative research (SBIR) awards; helping with technology transfer from the university; and providing training, education and assistance to help advance technology commercialization throughout the state.

A technology accreditation team recently met with SBDC staff, members of the Business Resource Network (which includes Research Products Center, Manufacturing-Works and the Wyoming Technology Business Center) and key stakeholders to verify and assess the technology initiatives in place by the SBDC, says Jill Kline, Wyoming SBDC director.

The Wyoming SBDC was given a commendation by the accreditation team for integration of technology within the network and the close collaboration and support with the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the Business Resource Network.

“The accreditation process is thorough and includes nearly every facet of our operations,” Kline says. “It is extremely helpful to have an outside perspective to make sure our program is the best that it can be not only for the purpose of accreditation, but to assure that we are doing everything in our power to assist our clients the best way possible.”

Having the technology accreditation allows Wyoming SBDC Network access to additional funds from the SBA that are set aside for technology designated centers, she adds. It also demonstrates the level of commitment that the organization has in assisting small businesses in their technology-related endeavors. 

“This accreditation is an acknowledgement of all the hard work the Wyoming SBDC Network does to help technology firms to start, grow and thrive in Wyoming,” says Bill Gern, UW vice president for research and economic development. “The fact that, at present, there are only 15 other SBDCs nationwide with a technology designation speaks very highly about what has been built in the Wyoming SBDC.”

Couple this with other business resource partners who fill the gap of areas of expertise, and Wyoming has a winning team, he adds.

“I urge businesses across the state, whether they’re technology-based or not, to take advantage of the multitude of resources available to them from the university and state,” Gern says.

Wyoming SBDC Network assists small businesses across the state with business needs, Kline says.

“The technology accreditation recognizes the efforts the SBDC has made over many years in developing all aspects of technology commercialization assistance, and integrating that assistance thoroughly into the organization and the Business Resource Network,” she adds.

To learn more about the Wyoming SBDC Network, visit www.wyomingsbdc.org/.

For more information, call Kline at (307) 766-3405 or email jkline@uwyo.edu.