Universities are engaging with communities on projects for many reasons, including funding, research, ecosystem building, technology advancement, and others. There is a variety of research on the university's engagement with the community and how to be effective. However, the research on what the community needs for a university-community partnership to be successful is less abundant. The purpose of this study is to investigate how small business owners and community partners perceive university-community partnerships in small business and entrepreneurial development in a northeast state. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explored the perceptions of small businesses and community partners that have experiences working with a university-community partnership in small business development. Data were collected from thirteen small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners through individual, semi-structured, virtual interviews using open-ended questions to capture each participant's experiences. The results of this study demonstrated relationship-building and collaboration, and managing the disconnect between the university and the community are key contributors to how small businesses and community partners perceive university-community partnerships. The results of this study are an essential foundation for establishing and maintaining successful university-community partnerships in small business development. The results of this study will guide future research in building sustaining university-community partnerships. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]