The COVID-19 pandemic caused the Small Business and Technology Development Center to rapidly pivot all aspects of service delivery, technology, and operations. The strategic plan update for 2021-2023 addresses the changing times with goals and strategies that focus on talent, clients, the UNC connection, and thought leadership. The plan takes advantage of the accelerated expansion and development of staff, deployment of new technologies, and statewide renewed focus on small business development.
Creative EDC and strategic partner Economic Leadership engaged with SBTDC staff and leadership in work sessions, interviews, and surveys to develop the strategic plan. The resulting plan is used to guide the work of the organization including the development of programs to support small businesses. Staff use it as a guide for annual work plans, and leadership uses it to establish annual goals.
In 2023, SBTDC engaged Creative EDC and Economic Leadership to update the strategic plan. We faciltated a workshop at their annual professional development conference, and a follow up workshop with leadership. The result was a refreshed strategic plan that takes advantage of current opportunities to support small businesses.