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MSBDC serving more clients with fewer centers: state's SBDCs drop from 21 to nine, but service the same, says director.

Article Excerpt
OXFORD -- The Mississippi Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) network is expanding and shrinking at the same time.

"We have more counseling centers, but fewer SBDCs,'" said Mike Vanderlip, associate state director of Oxford-based MSBDC. "At one time, we had 21 centers, 21 directors and 21 secretaries. Because of budget changes, we're moving toward larger centers.

"For example, the SBDC at Ole Miss used to serve seven counties, but now serves 19. My service area used to be covered by four SBDCs with a total budget of $365,000. Now, we have one center, one director, one full-time counselor, two part-time counselors and two graduate students. We did not replicate the administrative function four times in one area. It's a much more efficient model because the money goes to counseling services."

A misperception in...

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