The University of Iowa Small Business Development Center was established in 1981 as one of the four original centers in Iowa and is now one of thirteen Small Business Development Centers located throughout the State.

The University of Iowa Center is part of the College of Business Administration and was originally housed in the Business School building. It was moved in 1984, due to space limitations, to the Technology Innovation Center on the Oakdale Campus. When the new John Pappajohn College of Business Administration Building was finished in 1994, the center moved back to the main campus in the College's new facility.

The School of Management provides the SBDC with five graduate students during the academic year who offer a wealth of knowledge for clients on topics such as law, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, and management. The students also provide research, counseling and assistance on special projects. The center has been characterized by stability.