UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Serving central Pennsylvania for more than 25 years, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is one of 15 university and college-based SBDCs in Pennsylvania. , a certified affiliate of America's national network of SBDCs. The Pennsylvania SBDC is Pennsylvania's only statewide, nationally accredited program that provides high-quality consulting, training, and information resources to strengthen new and existing businesses.
Headquartered in Innovation Park with satellite offices at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, the Penn State SBDC serves entrepreneurs and small business owners. We provide business consulting and resources to people. Center County, Mifflin County, Lycoming County, and Clinton County.
The Penn State SBDC is comprised of a team of professional business consultants located within our service region. SBDC consultants provide one-on-one and team business consulting covering topics such as business plan development, market analysis, financing, quality control, marketing, and business continuity.
From fitness centers to family-owned cosmetic salons to nutritional startups, small businesses across the state are promoting the support of Penn State SBDC in their local communities.
Cory Lesher, co-owner of A&S Waxing Studio in downtown Locke, said, “Without the priority and strategic support from the SBDC, we eliminated unnecessary struggles and paved the way for business prosperity.” , the success we achieved would not have been possible.” Heaven.
The Penn State SBDC actively promotes entrepreneurship on and off campus by providing expert guidance, resources, and training to aspiring entrepreneurs. This will help foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and alumni, and strengthen Penn State's commitment to academic excellence and social impact.
“The Penn State SBDC is a cornerstone of the university's commitment to community growth,” said James Delattre, vice president for research and director of Penn State's Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. “The Penn State SBDC's impact is felt in Central Pennsylvania's Main Street communities, enriching the small business environment and enabling businesses to realize their fullest potential.”
Additionally, the SBDC contributes to the university's mission of community engagement and outreach. The Penn State SBDC strengthens Penn State's connection to the broader community by providing free and low-cost consulting services, workshops, and seminars to entrepreneurs in a wide range of industries. This commitment helps foster a sense of shared purpose and collaboration, and positions Penn State as a trusted partner in advancing economic prosperity and social welfare.
“Success may have been achievable on its own, but the Penn State SBDC has greatly accelerated that journey and given us confidence in making important decisions,” said Ryan Troutman, owner of Fitness Factory in Williamsport. He played an important role in planting and achieving the Fitness Factory.”
Let's celebrate #SBDCDay together on Wednesday, March 20th
#SBDCDay will be held across the country on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to celebrate the impact America's SBDCs have had on their communities. Penn State SBDC will celebrate this by hosting two of his events that are free and open to the public.
Celebrating Jabebo's journey (face-to-face)
10-11 a.m., 213 E. Bishop St, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
Let's celebrate the success of Jabebo, one of Penn State SBDC's small business clients. Jabebo creates and sells earrings that celebrate curious wildlife and conservation. During the session, Jabebo owners Kevin and Mary Abbott will share their entrepreneurial journey and discuss the support they have received from the team at Penn State SBDC. Register here.
live! The courage to interrupt a podcast recording (in person or virtually) with Honeygrow founder Justin Rosenberg
2:30-3:30 p.m., Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Room 611
Join our live podcast studio audience! Join Honeygrow founder Justin Rosenberg for the first ever live, in-person podcast recording of Invent Penn State Dare to Disrupt. Hear about Mr. Rosenberg's journey in founding and growing his chain of fast-casual stir-fry and salad restaurants to more than 40 locations in the Northeastern United States. This event will be held during Pennsylvania Startup Week with support from PNC. Register to attend in person or online.
About Penn State SBDC
The Penn State SBDC is not only a catalyst for economic growth, but also a strategic asset that enhances the university's reputation, fosters collaboration, and strengthens regional bonds. The SBDC embodies Penn State's commitment to excellence, impact, and service to society by empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, and promoting innovation.
“We are proud of the progress we have made in supporting entrepreneurs in our community,” said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “Going forward, our goal is to maintain a vital role in Penn State's entrepreneurial ecosystem and help SBDC clients achieve their business aspirations across the communities we serve. is.”
Financial support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. by the State of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Supported in part by Penn State University and Lock Haven University. All services are provided to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been disbarred or suspended by the federal government.
The SBDC is sponsored by major universities, colleges, state economic development agencies, and private partners, and is funded in part by the U.S. Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers offering free business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC serves Center, Clinton, Lycoming, and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.
