Start Your Business

Start Your Business

Have you dreamed of being your own boss for many years, but don't know where to start? Do you ask questions like “How do I turn my good idea into a successful business?” “What kind of forms and licenses do I need?” “Where can I find financing?” “Where is the best place to open my business?” “What is a business plan and how do I prepare one?”

For over 25 years, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) have provided consulting and training throughout the Commonwealth designed to teach prospective and new entrepreneurs the basics of starting and successfully operating their own businesses. In 2007, 2,147 new businesses were started in Pennsylvania with assistance from the SBDCs. With the help of the Pennsylvania SBDCs your dream can become a reality.

SBDC Clients Succeed

The best way to prevent business failure is to plan your business properly from the start. The SBDCs have the knowledge and experience you need to make your dream work. Studies have shown that 80% of SBDC assisted firms are still in business 8 years after their start-up date. Businesses started with SBDC assistance survive longer and grow faster than the average firm.

The First Step

All of the Pennsylvania SBDCs offer First Step workshops to help entrepreneurs start their own business. These workshops assist entrepreneurs in starting down the path to successful business ownership – evaluating business ideas, developing a business plan, and exploring financing options.

The first step to starting a successful new venture is to attend an SBDC First Step workshop where you will learn:

  • What unique lifestyle requirements are involved in owning a business
  • How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
  • Differences between business organization structures
  • How to develop a business plan
  • How to obtain financing
  • How to market your product or service
  • The applications and licenses needed to start your company
  • How to conduct research on your industry, market and competition
  • Regulations governing a business
  • Environmental regulation compliance
  • Other resources that you can use to help you plan and succeed

First Step workshops are offered at low or no cost on a regular basis across the state, and all workshops are free to veterans. We also have an online tutorial that covers these topics, available to you at any time (free, registration required).

The Next Step

The next step to growing your new business is to take advantage of the SBDCs’ one-on-one consulting and information services. After completing a First Step workshop, you will be able to meet confidentially with an SBDC consultant at no cost. Your consultant can help you with all of the issues you learned about in your First Step workshop, tailoring their advice to your business idea and needs in mind.

More Resources

More information on starting a business and growing a business can be found in The Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania, a state publication that provides practical tips and helpful information on all aspects of business ownership. To request a hard copy, contact the Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance at (800) 280-3801.

Already in business? Find out how SBDC services can help you grow your business.

Success Stories

Learn about some of the businesses that have opened their doors thanks to SBDC assistance by reading the stories below.

Danielle & Co. Busy Bee Toys

Helpful Links

Business Plans

Entrepreneurship and How-To Resources

  • US Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html) – federal agency with a wealth of information for entrepreneurs, including this start-up kit
  • SBA Women's Business Center (www.onlinewbc.gov) – resources for women entrepreneurs.
  • Minority Business Development Agency (www.mbda.gov) – self-registering Phoenix database of minority entrepreneurs.
  • Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Fact Sheet () – information on the SDB program and requirements for certification.
  • SBA Small Disadvantaged Business Program (www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sdb/index.html) – administers the 8(a) Business Development Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program.
  • Knowthis.com (www.knowthis.com) – meta-site with links to marketing-related topics.
  • StartupJournal.com (www.startupjournal.com) – start-up information and databases of businesses for sale and venture capital from the Wall Street Journal.
  • BusinessWeek Small Business Center (www.businessweek.com/smallbiz) – articles, tips and information on small business from BusinessWeek.
  • Small Business Knowledge Base (www.bizmove.com) – guides and worksheets on starting and managing a small business.
  • PeerSpectives (www.peerspectives.org) – information, tips, success stories and links.
  • Inc.com (www.inc.com) – articles and tips on entrepreneurship from Inc. Magazine.
  • Entrepreneur.com (www.entrepreneurmag.com) – start-up ideas, resources and articles.
  • FindLaw (www.smallbiz.findlaw.com) – guides, sample forms and other legal resources.
  • Quicken.com (www.quicken.com/small_business) – accounting and tax information, forms and other business planning tools.
  • IRS Digital Daily (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html) – resources for employers and tax and wage information for new and existing businesses.
  • PreFlight PowerTips (www.preflightpowertips.com) – audio resources to help coach entrepreneurs.
  • Labor & Industry Mandatory Workplace Signs (www.dli.state.pa.us) – listing of state required employee notices.
  • Choose Leasing (www.chooseleasing.org) – leasing information, leasing vs. buying, plus a directory of leasing companies.

Financing Resources

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A partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration and accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers. All services provided on a non-discriminatory basis. © 2010 Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers. All Rights Reserved.

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers | 3819-33 Chestnut Street, Suite 325, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3238
tel: (215) 898-1219 | fax: (215) 573-2135 | pasbdc@wharton.upenn.edu