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COVID-19: Clark University has made significant changes to our operations.

Visit our COVID-19 Info page

Clark University
Small Business Development Center
professor talking to student about small business development

 

We are open for business — virtually

To protect the health and safety of our clients and employees during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) advising will be offered virtually until further notice.

We are committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times. Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email (best method) or telephone. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are a new client, please register in order to receive free and confidential business advice from our advisers. Registration is fast, easy, and free, and may be completed online. Or simply email sbdc@clarku.edu for more information.

Contact the MSBDC staff

Download the SBDC Coronavirus Newsletter

Visit Clark University’s COVID-19 Information site

Disaster Loan Applications

MSBDC advisers can assist businesses with disaster loan applications. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.  Massachusetts businesses are now eligible to apply.

If you are not a client and would like to receive services, please complete our online Request for Counseling form.

Learn more and apply for SBA’s disaster loan

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

Want to know how to start a small business?

Successful entrepreneurs are continually seeking ways to improve the management and operation of their businesses, often seeking outside advice, such as the services of the MSBDC Network, to meet particular challenges. Studies consistently show that Massachusetts citizens receive a strong return on their investment with Small Business Development Center by using these services. Our clients outperform other Massachusetts businesses’ average sales and job growth.

The Small Business Development Center at Clark University is committed to helping your business succeed in Massachusetts. We provide free, confidential, one-on-one business assistance and free or low-cost educational training programs to prospective and existing small businesses throughout the state in order to foster the start, growth, and sustainability of these businesses.

Please register in order to receive free and confidential business advice from our advisors. Registration is fast, easy, and free.

Register now

Testimonials

“These are incredibly dedicated people with all the knowledge and direction you will need to get your ideas off the paper napkin and into a viable business plan. The personal attention from walking in the door of this nondescript office in the middle of the campus at Clark University to the friendly support all the way up to the director is unmatched by any other government office.  They offer as much support and guidance as you want through the entire startup process through the pains of growing your business and beyond.  It is a pleasure working with them and I highly recommend you start with this organization as your partner.”

Ric Craig, Hardwick

“This center is an excellent resource for anyone who needs business planning help. Entrepreneurs, small business owners looking to expand, or people thinking of buying a business would benefit from the resources they offer. 
My husband is a former client and I am currently a client. My contact at the SBDC is Leo Sharkey. He has always been very helpful. My situation is complex and requires a lot of his time, but he’s happy to help.
They have area referrals for business attorneys, CPA’S, banks that do small business loans, and insurance brokers. They can also have you meet with a specialist if need be.
Overall, a great asset for the community!”  

Julia M., Worcester

News

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Ureka Challenge supports existing student ventures

Student entrepreneurs earn investments in established businesses

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center...

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Success Stories

Small Busness Development

Aurelio Metohu
Aurelio Metohu

Caffe Espresso Trattoria

“I have been a chef and restaurant owner for many years. Without the assistance of the SBDC at Clark University, I could not have developed a successful business plan and obtained financing to open my second restaurant. I wish I had known about them when I opened my first location.”

Aurelio Metohu
Aurelio Metohu

Caffe Espresso Trattoria

“I have been a chef and restaurant owner for many years. Without the assistance of the SBDC at Clark University, I could not have developed a successful business plan and obtained financing to open my second restaurant. I wish I had known about them when I opened my first location.”

Aurelio Metohu

Caffe Espresso Trattoria

“I have been a chef and restaurant owner for many years. Without the assistance of the SBDC at Clark University, I could not have developed a successful business plan and obtained financing to open my second restaurant. I wish I had known about them when I opened my first location.”

Matt & Tina Phaneuf
Matt & Tina Phaneuf

BioSurfaces, Inc.

“My wife Tina and I have been working with the SBDC since 2014 when we were looking for guidance for our R&D business. Our adviser, a former entrepreneur, completely grasped the challenges we faced and provided several solutions for us to explore. The SBDC has become a trusted resource to bounce ideas off of, always giving honest feedback.  We are fortunate that we have the SBDC as a resource.”

Matt & Tina Phaneuf
Matt & Tina Phaneuf

BioSurfaces, Inc.

“My wife Tina and I have been working with the SBDC since 2014 when we were looking for guidance for our R&D business. Our adviser, a former entrepreneur, completely grasped the challenges we faced and provided several solutions for us to explore. The SBDC has become a trusted resource to bounce ideas off of, always giving honest feedback.  We are fortunate that we have the SBDC as a resource.”

Matt & Tina Phaneuf

BioSurfaces, Inc.

“My wife Tina and I have been working with the SBDC since 2014 when we were looking for guidance for our R&D business. Our adviser, a former entrepreneur, completely grasped the challenges we faced and provided several solutions for us to explore. The SBDC has become a trusted resource to bounce ideas off of, always giving honest feedback.  We are fortunate that we have the SBDC as a resource.”

Alexis Kelleher
Alexis Kelleher

Crust Artisan Bakery

“I felt as though I would never be able to make sense of all the steps that needed to take place in order for me to obtain a business loan and purchase the business. The SBDC helped me organize and prioritize all of the steps that lay before me and taught me a great deal about what all the numbers meant and how to apply them to be successful as a new business owner.”

Alexis Kelleher
Alexis Kelleher

Crust Artisan Bakery

“I felt as though I would never be able to make sense of all the steps that needed to take place in order for me to obtain a business loan and purchase the business. The SBDC helped me organize and prioritize all of the steps that lay before me and taught me a great deal about what all the numbers meant and how to apply them to be successful as a new business owner.”

Alexis Kelleher

Crust Artisan Bakery

“I felt as though I would never be able to make sense of all the steps that needed to take place in order for me to obtain a business loan and purchase the business. The SBDC helped me organize and prioritize all of the steps that lay before me and taught me a great deal about what all the numbers meant and how to apply them to be successful as a new business owner.”

Corporate Sponsors

In Partnership with:

A partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development under cooperative agreement SBAHQ-19-B-0001 through the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management. SBDCs are a program supported by SBA and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. By contacting our office and requesting at least two weeks in advance, every attempt will be made to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities and those who need translation services.

Contact Information

Small Business Development Center

Office Location
Mailing Address
  • Clark University SBDC
    950 Main Street
    Worcester MA, 01610-1477