Wyoming Small Business Development Center
The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC), branded as Wyoming Entrepreneur, is a department of the University of Wyoming. The "center" consists of multiple offices throughout the state with business consultants who provide basic business education through consulting, classes and webinars, publications, web services (wyen.biz), and referrals to related agencies.
The SBDC also includes the Wyoming Marketing Research Center (MRC) which offers free market research reports. And, the Wyoming PTAC (procurement technical assistance center) that assists businesses who desire to sell products and/or services to the government.
The organization is funded through a co-operative agreement between the University of Wyoming, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Wyoming Business Council.
Locations
Regional offices are located (from west to east) in Rock Springs, Riverton, Powell, Gillette, Casper and Cheyenne.
The state office is located on the university's Laramie campus.
The PTAC has offices in Cheyenne, Casper and Thermopolis.
Second Life Facility
In early 2010, Wyoming SBDC became the first SBDC to purchase an entire island in the 3-D virtual world Second Life. The facility was developed for the purpose of supporting the organization's commitment of teaching entrepreneurs, and introducing cutting edge technology that may be beneficial to small business owners. The facility, Wyoming Entrepreneur Island, is themed with major landmarks of the US state of Wyoming including Old Faith Inn and Geyser, Devils Tower National Monument, and the Green River. Wyoming entrepreneurs may receive business counseling in real time, access significant information and services, and attend classes in the Teton Classroom.
Specialty Education Offerings
The center offers various specialty educational services in international trade, QuickBooks Pro, financial health checkup and analysis, business valuation, market research, eCommerce and government contracting.
External links
- Wyoming SBDC
- University of Wyoming
- US Small Business Administration
- Wyoming Business Council
- Wyoming Entrepreneur Island in Second Life