Columbia economic team to convert local SBDC to independent Small Business Resource Center

Paul Vogel of the Columbia economic team told the Economic Development Committee that the county’s small business center will transition out of the statewide Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and revert to an independent Small Business Resource Center (SBRC).

Vogel said the center participated in the SBDC network for three years to “test drive” the model and determined the statewide network’s regional model and requirements do not match community preferences. “Our communities told us they want an independent Columbia County responsive SBDC or SBRC, and that’s what you’re gonna get,” Vogel said. He said the change is largely structural; staff and programming will remain in place — Jason remains director and Sierra remains small business specialist — but the SBRC will pursue funding sources and program models the statewide network would not allow.

Vogel also updated the committee on larger economic development efforts: he said the community remains one of three finalists for a large recruitment project dubbed “Project Spice,” with July the likely decision month; he said tariffs and global supply considerations remain factors. He added two smaller state‑led recruitments are being pursued. The SBRC will roll out communications to clients over the next 30 days and said the center will be “much more accessible, little less protocol, little less process,” while retaining existing programming, advising and ‘‘munch and learns.’”

Vogel asked the committee to continue referrals and noted the team has already applied for new funding to expand programs. No committee vote or policy change was made at the meeting.