SOU News reports, Southern Oregon University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will close to the public at the end of December 2025 following more than four decades of helping local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The decision comes after the university and the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network were unable to reach an agreement to maintain U.S. Small Business Administration funding. SOU also cited its reduced ability to subsidize the program amid ongoing efforts to rebuild as a smaller, more financially resilient institution.
For 41 years, the SBDC has provided vital support to the regional business community, offering advising, training, and research assistance through programs like its Market Research Institute. More than 11,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners have benefited from its resources over the years.
While the closure marks the end of a significant chapter in SOU’s entrepreneurial outreach, the university expressed appreciation for the center’s contributions and for the dedication of its staff and clients. The state network continues to operate 19 other centers across Oregon, offering business advising, training, and online courses for those seeking continued support.