About Us

The Southeast Region is an advising center of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and it is part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Utilizing the resources of the UMass system makes the Massachusetts SBDC an excellent source of reference for the region's business community.

The Massachusetts SBDC's Southeast Region was created in 1982 to pool resources of federal, state and local government, academic institutions, and the private sector to provide small businesses with management and educational programs. The office serves all of southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands.

Our mission is accomplished through our experienced staff which includes: Regional Director Clifford Robbins [bio], Business Advisors Jill Beresford [bio] and Nancy Lowd [bio], and Outside Consultant Lawrence Nannis [bio], all of whom have a broad range of business knowledge. In addition, each staff member specializes in certain areas of expertise such as business and financial plan development, marketing and sales advising, financial analysis and business retention. We also offer training seminars and assistance to companies seeking unconventional financing. Also on our staff are Client Services Coordinator Anne Fenton [bio] and Administrative Assistant Alison Moriarty [bio].

Additionally, our office works with Technology and Innovation Practice Coordinator Daniel Lilly [bio] of the MSBDC Government Sales Program and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).

Our team-based approach allows the business advisors to coordinate and combine their skills and abilities to fulfill the client's needs. Free and confidential business advisory services are available to either preventure or existing businesses.

To receive free and confidential business assistance, please complete our online Request for Advising with the button below.

Click here to learn more about our services by listening to an audio interview from the "Voice of Business" on WSAR 1480AM (30 minutes)

Southeast Regional Office staff receiving award at the May 2018 SBA Awards Luncheon
(click on photo to enlarge)
Left to right: Alison Moriarty, Jill Beresford, Anne Fenton, Nancy Lowd, Wendell Davis (SBA Regional Administrator for Region I), Melinda Ailes, Karyn Polito (Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts), Cliff Robbins, Bob Nelson (SBA Massachusetts District Director)