Richard Alvarez — a senior adviser for economic development at the university and formerly its chief financial officer — said the renewed partnership with the SBDC is set up differently.

“Previously we had an office here that was small business. Now we are hosting them [SBDC] and they are serving the entire region, but we are hosting their location. We will be working on all of these collaborations but they are a separate entity,” he said.

Instead of providing funds for the program, the university is providing in-kind support, such as an office for the SBDC in the Davis College of Business and Economics. Different events like seminars and workshops will also be held in the building.