Small Business Development Center Likely Heading To UCDD

Tennessee Tech University will no longer house the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Mark Farley is the Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD). He said Tech plans to hand the day-to-day operations over the to UCDD.

“They have decided that they don’t have capacity anymore for it,” Farley said. “They’re going to turn that operation over to the Development District. They actually approached us, thinking it would be a great fit with our revolving loan fund and all the work we’re already doing with businesses.”

Farley said he hopes to have the deal worked out before the UCDD’s January meeting.

“We’re going to meet January 3 to formalize all of that. We’ll probably have to enter into a contract with Tennessee Tech,” Farley said. “Tech is still going to be a partner, but they’re trying to decide what part they’re going to play.”

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) holds the statewide contract for the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Tech has housed the Cookeville center for several years under a partnership with MTSU.

The SBDC provides small business start-up services and assistance to existing small businesses. The Cookeville center serves Clay, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, and White counties.