The Hawai`i SBDC Network advocates on behalf of small businesses by determining their needs and representing them and their needs in public forums. This strategy is fulfilled in many ways, including (a) by conducting an annual needs assessment of small businesses in Hawai`i and by reporting upon this assessment to state leaders (see Needs-and-Issues Assessment of Small Business) and (b) through the work of directors serving on organizational boards and committees throughout the state. The SBA added to the Program Announcement for 2002 the following statutorily required service: �Encouraging community development which can be supported by SBDC programmatic and financial resources.�
(2002 SBA Program Announcement, page 8)