National recognition highlights the impact of small business support across the Pacific region

SBDC Day is a national, collective celebration of the success and impact America’s Small Business Development Centers have in economic development and the small business community. Observed annually on the third Wednesday of March, the day recognizes the nearly 1,000 SBDCs across the United States, its territories, and its affiliated regions that empower entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

“For more than four decades, SBDCs have been a cornerstone of small business development across the country,” said Frederick Granillo, Network Director of the Pacific Islands SBDC Network. “SBDC Day provides an opportunity to recognize the incredible resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs in our communities, as well as the dedicated advisors and partners who work every day to help businesses succeed.”

Across the Pacific region, the Pacific Islands SBDC Network works with entrepreneurs in Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, providing no-cost, confidential business advising services and practical training programs designed to help small businesses launch, grow, and remain competitive.

In geographically dispersed island economies, access to technical assistance and capital can present unique challenges. PISBDCN plays a critical role in bridging these gaps by delivering localized, culturally relevant business support across remote and underserved communities.

Through personalized one-on-one counseling, training workshops, and technical assistance, SBDC advisors help business owners navigate critical aspects of business management, including business planning, access to capital, financial management, marketing strategies, market research, and operational development. SBDCs also offer specialized guidance in areas such as exporting, manufacturing, rural business development, and venture capital formation.

SBDC Day highlights the collective impact of America’s SBDC network, which has helped countless small businesses start, expand, and secure funding over the past 40 years. In addition to business counseling and training, SBDCs connect entrepreneurs with critical resources, including programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), financial institutions, and local and regional partners.

The Pacific Islands SBDC Network encourages community members, partners, and small business owners to join the celebration of SBDC Day 2026 by recognizing the important role small businesses play in the economic growth and resilience of communities throughout the Pacific.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” added Granillo. “On SBDC Day, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who drive innovation and opportunity, and we reaffirm our commitment to helping them succeed.”

 

About the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network (PISBDCN)

The Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network (PISBDCN), hosted by the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration, provides confidential business counseling, training, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs across Guam, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. The network’s mission is to support the growth and economic development of the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands in the Western Pacific region by providing high-quality training and one-to-one confidential counseling to existing and prospective small businesses.

For more information, visit www.pacificsbdc.com or contact sbdc@pacificsbdc.com.

Funding Disclosure: This program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The total network funding is $1,523,548, with 51% ($777,777) from federal sources and 49% ($745,771) from non-federal sources, including host institutions and partners such as Bank of Guam.