Overview

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide education and no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The SBDC is ready to help you grow your business.

The SBDC’s one-on-one management consulting emphasizes education and guidance in finding practical solutions to business problems. Consulting is confidential and provided at no-charge by a staff of skilled professionals.

With 18 college- and university-based centers and more than 90 outreach centers located throughout the state of Pennsylvania, the help you need is just around the corner. Contact your local SBDC to arrange for a free and confidential one-on-one consultation.

Types of Assistance

Pennsylvania SBDC services cover a range of topics relevant to aspiring entrepreneurs small business owners:

Business Basics

  • Accounting
  • Business Plans
  • Legal Issues
  • Management
  • Operations
  • Taxes
  • Strategy
  • Start-Up

Environmental Management

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Regulatory Compliance

Financing and Loans

  • Capital Acquisition
  • Feasibility Analysis
  • Financing and Loan Packaging
  • Financial Analysis

Human Resources

  • Hiring
  • Personnel
  • Worker Health and Safety

Industry-Specific

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Service

Marketing

  • Customer Acquisition
  • e-Commerce
  • Market Research

Operating Structure

  • Franchises
  • Regulatory Assistance

Technology

  • Clean Technology
  • Product Development/Engineering
  • SBIR/STTR
  • Technology Commercialization

Special Topics

  • Agribusiness Assistance
  • Computing Applications
  • Government Marketing
  • International Trade
  • Minority Business Development
  • Women’s Business Issues

Get Started

To get started with the SBDC, check out our upcoming educational events. Or our resources section which has information and tools for small businesses.

When you're ready, you can contact your local SBDC for more information.