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About the Pennsylvania SBDCQuick LinksThe mission of the network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is to grow the economy of Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. Since its inception in 1980, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) has evolved into a network of 18 university-based centers and more than ninety outreach locations operating under the guidance of the State Director located at the University of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions to help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more. SBDC educational programs serve to inform and assist entrepreneurs with the many decisions a new business owner faces. Program topics range from regulatory compliance issues to marketing tactics and are offered throughout the 18-center network of SBDCs. Since 1990 alone, the SBDCs have helped Pennsylvania entrepreneurs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Small Business Development Center?The Small Business Development Center program provides no-cost confidential consulting and low cost training in proven management fundamentals helping small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business. There are 18 Centers located throughout Pennsylvania. Find your local SBDC to start receiving consulting and low cost training. How can the SBDC help someone just thinking of starting a business?The SBDC offers Entrepreneurial Assessment, Pre-Business and Business Planning seminars for those individuals who want general information on starting a business, or who are in the initial start-up phase. SBDC consultants can then help you with the details of turning your plan into a successful reality. Do you have to be in business to use the services of the Small Business Development Center?No. You only have to be considering the idea of opening a business or researching the feasibility of a proposed profit-making venture. My business has been established for some time. How can the SBDC help me?The SBDC provides an array of consulting services to established businesses including one-on-one consulting in business planning, marketing and promotion, financial analysis, accounting, record keeping, human resources, strategic planning, new market diversification, and other areas. In addition, the procurement technical assistance program is available for companies that want to bid on government contracts and international trade specialists are available to consult with firms that want to enter into or expand in the global marketplace. The Environmental Management Assistance Program provides improvements to your bottom line through pollution prevention, energy efficiency and strategic environmental management. Technology commercialization assistance is available to high growth and technology firms with sophisticated business management issues. The Pennsylvania SBDC are ready to help businesses in all stages with a variety of issues. Can I get help from the SBDC if my business is set up as a not-for-profit business?Because of the SBDC's funding guidelines, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are not able to assist businesses that are established as not-for-profit. What can I expect from my Pennsylvania SBDC consultant?At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business needs or proposal, determine a course of action and identify areas that both of you will be responsible for completing. Your consultant will then follow up with an engagement letter detailing your meeting and listing the items that both of you will be working on, along with an estimated time frame for completion and anticipated outcomes. Learn more about what to expect as a Pennsylvania SBDC client. Does the Pennsylvania SBDC charge for its services?The management and technical assistance services are provided at no charge to the client. Nominal fees are generally charged for training seminars and special events. Who pays for the SBDC program?The SBDC is part of a state-wide network of colleges and university centers which is a joint venture of federal, state, and private sector agencies and organizations including the US Small Business Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. Each agency, along with the host university, contributes to the financial support of the program. Learn more about the Pennsylvania SBDC funding partners. Program HistoryImportant milestones in the growth of the Pennsylvania SBDC network include:
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