UTSA to complete SBDC advisor, director certificate training in Honduras

SBDC training

Small Business Development Center training

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(Dec. 15, 2014) -- The International Trade Center, a small business development center at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Institute of Economic Development, will complete its four-module SBDC Advisor and Director Certificate trainings in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Dec. 16-17.

SBDCs, established throughout the United States by the federal government in partnership with state governments and universities and colleges, assist entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing and growing their businesses through a free and confidential suite of advising services. Services include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, business strategy, financial planning, marketing, production and professional networking. The centers support new and existing businesses.

The goal of the certificate training is to transfer the SBDC model methodology and train professionals on how to manage and operate an economic impact-producing SBDC. This training is part of the International Trade Center and Institute for Economic Development International SBDC Expansion Initiative that, with the support of the Department of State, has helped countries develop U.S.-modeled SBDC networks in the Americas since 2003.

UTSA International Trade Center Director Cliff Paredes and Global SBDC Instructional Coordinator Minerva Garcia will conduct the trainings.

"Honduras has made great progress in implementing the U.S. SBDC model," said Paredes, who leads UTSA's program that has developed and administers the trainings. "Currently, there are six operational SBDCs in Honduras working with local entrepreneurs and established businesses using the methodology and training that we provided to them. Four more are slated to open their doors to the public in early 2015."

Since May 2012, UTSA has conducted three rounds of certificate training in Honduras with more than 320 participants having completed the certification. Most of the trainees will go on to be SBDC directors or advisors.

The International Trade Center at UTSA is one of the largest and most successful trade assistance organizations in Texas. It helps companies become globally competitive through technical trade advising, customized market research and innovative training programs. The center is a specialty SBDC program in the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network.

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For more information on the project, visit the SBDC Global website.

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