UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Serving central Pennsylvania for more than 25 years, the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is one of 15 SBDCs based at universities and colleges in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national SBDC network in the United States. Pennsylvania SBDCs are the only state and nationally accredited programs in Pennsylvania that provide high-quality information, training and consulting resources to empower new and existing businesses.
Headquartered at Innovation Park and satellite offices at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, Penn State SBDC offers business consulting and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Pennsylvania Counties. Centre, Mifflin, Lycoming and Clinton.
The Penn State SBDC is comprised of a team of expert business consultants located within its service regions. SBDC consultants provide individual and team business consultations, which can cover topics such as business plan development, market analysis, capital acquisition, quality control, marketing, business continuity and much more.
From a gym still family cosmetic salon still nutrition startupSmall businesses across the state are promoting support of the Penn State SBDC within their local community.
“The success we have achieved would not have been possible without the priority and strategic assistance of the SBDC that eliminated unnecessary struggles and paved the way for a thriving business,” said Cory Lesher, co-owner of A&S Waxing Studio in downtown Lock. Shelter.
By providing expert guidance, resources and training to aspiring entrepreneurs, the Penn State SBDC actively promotes entrepreneurship within and beyond the University. This helps foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty and alumni, reinforcing 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, associate vice president for research and director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization at Penn State. “The impact of the Penn State SBDC is felt throughout the main street communities of central Pennsylvania and is enriching the small business landscape and empowering companies to reach their full potential.”
Additionally, the SBDC contributes to the University’s mission of community engagement and outreach. By providing free or low-cost consulting services, workshops and seminars to entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, the Penn State SBDC strengthens ties between Penn State and the broader community. This commitment helps foster a sense of shared purpose and collaboration, positioning Penn State as a trusted partner in promoting economic prosperity and social well-being.
“While success could have been achieved independently, Penn State’s SBDC significantly accelerated the journey, instilled confidence in making crucial decisions and played a key role in Fitness Factory’s achievement,” said Ryan Troutman, owner of Fitness Factory in Williamsport.
Celebrate #SBDCDay with us on Wednesday, March 20
To celebrate the impact of America’s SBDCs on local communities, #SBDCDay will be held nationwide on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The Penn State SBDC will celebrate by hosting two events that are free and open to the public.
Celebrating Jabebo’s journey (in person)
10 to 11 a.m., 213 E. Bishop St, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Celebrate the success of one of Penn State SBDC’s small business clients, Jabebo, who creates and sells earrings celebrating wildlife and nature conservation for curious hearts. During the session, Kevin and Mary Abbott, owners of Jabebo, will share their business journey and discuss the support they received from the Penn State SBDC team. Register here.
LIVE! Dare to Break Podcast Recording with Honeygrow Founder Justin Rosenberg (In-Person or Virtual)
2:30–3:30 p.m., Eric J. Barron Innovation Center, room 611
Be part of a live podcast studio audience! Attend the first Invent Penn State live and in person Dare to disturb Podcast recording with Honeygrow founder Justin Rosenberg. Hear about Rosenberg’s journey starting and growing a chain of fast-casual salad and stir-fry restaurants to more than 40 locations in the Northeast U.S. The event takes place during Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC . Register to attend in person either virtually.
About the Penn State SBDC
Penn State’s SBDC is not only a catalyst for economic growth, but also a strategic asset that enhances the University’s reputation, fosters collaboration and strengthens community ties. By empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses and driving innovation, the SBDC embodies Penn State’s commitment to excellence, impact and service to society.
“We are proud of the strides we have made to support entrepreneurs in our community,” said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “Going forward, we aim to maintain our critical role in Penn State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping our SBDC clients achieve their business aspirations in the communities we serve.”
Financial support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Economic and Community Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission; and in part thanks to the support of Penn State and with the assistance of Lock Haven University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government.
SBDCs are organized by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies, and private partners, and are 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 available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC Service Center, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.