The MSBDC Advisory Council provides general guidance and policy recommendations to the MSBDC state director and dean of the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts (the lead institution) with respect to the following:

• The direction, priorities and implementation of the strategic plan which the MSBDC should pursue in order to achieve its stated objectives;
• Ways of attaining a higher level of coordination between the MSBDC and other technical assistance providers;
• The effectiveness of the MSBDC's activities and possible modifications which would enhance the quality of service rendered to clients.

The Advisory Council is structured to provide an ongoing avenue of input for the MSBDC's most important constituencies. It will consist of a minimum of eight people appointed by the dean of the Isenberg School of Management, including at least four small business people; a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration; a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Business and Technology; and the state director of the MSBDC Network. The dean will appoint a member to serve as chairperson.