Rural Development

Supporting Rural Businesses. Strengthening Our Communities.

Rural communities are full of entrepreneurs with big ideas, hardworking business owners, and opportunities for growth. The Del Mar College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help rural businesses across the Coastal Bend access the guidance, training, and resources they need to succeed.

Whether you're starting a business, looking to reach more customers, exploring funding options, or planning your next stage of growth, we're here to help you take the next step.

Row of businesses on main street

How We Help Rural Businesses

Every business has different needs. Our advisors work with business owners to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and develop practical strategies tailored to their goals.

Start and plan: Explore business ideas, develop business plans, and understand startup requirements.
Strengthen finances: Improve financial management, evaluate funding options, and prepare for conversations with lenders.
Reach more customers: Develop marketing strategies, improve your online presence, and identify new markets.
Grow and expand: Evaluate growth opportunities, plan for hiring, improve operations, and prepare for expansion.
Make informed decisions: Access market research, industry information, and data to better understand your customers and competition.
Build new opportunities: Explore government contracting and other opportunities to expand your customer base.

Our goal is to help rural businesses access the same quality of business guidance and training available throughout the region, with options for virtual or in-person advising.

Meet Our Rural Advisors

Counties We Serve

Strong businesses help build strong communities. We're proud to serve the following counties:

Brooks County
Duval County
Jim Wells County
Kenedy County
Kleberg County
Live Oak County
McMullen County
Nueces County
San Patricio County

Community Connect

Small Business Resource Information Station

Visit with a certified Business Advisor and learn how the SBDC can help new and existing business owners promote growth, innovation, productivity, and profitability while strengthening the overall management of their business.

Jim Wells County