The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Clark University has been selected to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2010 SBDC Service for Excellence and Innovation Award.

In announcing the award, SBA District Director Bob Nelson, noted: “This is a well-deserved and distinct honor that reflects the hard work and perseverance you have shown in training and educating small businesses throughout Central Massachusetts.”

The Clark SBDC won both the best in Massachusetts and all-New England awards.  It is now one of seven regional finalists being considered for the national award. The winning center will be announced in May during National Small Business Week and will be invited to the White House for an award ceremony in the fall.

“All of us at Clark and the Graduate School of Management take great pride in the role that the experienced and dedicated SBDC counselors and our talented students have played in supporting the businesses and the economic development initiatives of the city and the region,” said Ed Ottensmeyer, dean of the Clark Graduate School of Management.  “In short, the Clark SBDC is a truly outstanding organization and eminently deserving of this award.”

The Massachusetts SBDC at Clark provides one-to-one, free, comprehensive and confidential business advice focusing on business growth, market development, financing and loan assistance, strategic analysis, government procurement and export services.  Services are delivered through a statewide network of skilled professionals supported by a vast network of federal, state, educational and private sector partners.

During its 28 years at Clark University, the MSBDC program has assisted more than 20,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners, helped clients raise over $200 million in capital, and helped create 4,000-plus new jobs in Central Massachusetts.

For more information, phone 508-793-7615, email sbdc@clarku.edu, or visit the Clark University SBDC online at http://www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdc.