(a) Recipient Organization. The following entities are eligible to operate an SBDC network:

(1) A public or private institution of higher education;

(2) A land-grant college or university;

(3) A college or school of business, engineering, commerce or agriculture;

(4) A community or junior college;

(5) An entity formed by two or more of the above entities; or

(6) Any entity which was operating as a recipient organization as of December 31, 1990.

(b) SBDC Service Providers. SBDC service providers are not required to meet the eligibility requirements of a recipient organization.