Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC) - Free Small Business Consulting with Pennsylvania SBDC

Kara Riccioni

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Kara grew up on a small livestock farm in Central NJ where her family raises and markets freezer lamb, beef, and pork. She attended Penn State University and studied Agribusiness Management specializing in Economics with minors in Agronomy and Animal Sciences. Kara received her Master of Science degree in Animal Science focused in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Kentucky prior to accepting a position as a technical specialist with a regional seed company in Pennsylvania. She completed her Master of Business Administration specializing in Food and Agribusiness at Delaware Valley University before transitioning into her current role with the Pennsylvania SBDC. Kara is a member of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (2020) and a Certified Farm Succession Coordinator (2022). She and her fiancé, Nick, (and their blue heeler pup, Bentley) currently raise and show Simmental cattle for breeding stock and feeder calves and continue to help with both their families’ agricultural businesses and farming operations.

Natasa Borcanin

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Natasa possesses over 25 years of management experience in international development, human resources and commercial retail at Philadelphia International Airport. She has also designed and implemented public information strategies and workshops on civic education approaches in countries undergoing political transition.

Natasa was also a collaborator in an Emmy-nominated documentary “Picture Me and Enemy” and has a background in journalism working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, CNN and public radio. One of her passions is coffee and she considers being an entrepreneur for 15 years, having developed and managed all aspects of a multi-retail, fair-trade coffee business, one of the highlights of her career. It is precisely this mix of expertise and Borcanin’s 360° approach to management, a knack to mobilize necessary resources and to motivate people, that result in positive outcomes. Currently she is delighted to offer assistance to small businesses in accomplishing their government contracting goals, in her current role as the Assistant Program Manager for the Southeast PA PTAC, based in Philadelphia.

FIND YOUR LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA SBDC CENTER BY REGION AND COUNTY

WESTERN PA

Duquesne University SBDC
Serving Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties

Gannon University SBDC
Serving Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Warren counties

PennWest Clarion SBDC
Serving Armstrong, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, and Venango counties

Saint Vincent College SBDC
Serving Fayette and Westmoreland counties

University of Pittsburgh SBDC
Serving Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, and Washington counties

CENTRAL PA

Bucknell University SBDC
Serving Juniata, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Synder, and Union counties

Penn State SBDC
Serving Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, and Mifflin counties

Saint Francis University SBDC
Serving Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntington, and Somerset counties

Shippensburg University SBDC
Serving Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York counties

EASTERN PA

Kutztown University SBDC
Serving Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties

Lehigh University SBDC
Serving Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties

Temple University SBDC
Serving Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties

The University of Scranton SBDC
Serving Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming counties

Widener University SBDC
Serving Delaware and Philadelphia counties

Wilkes University SBDC
Serving Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Sullivan counties

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Donna J. Simpson

The University of Scranton SBDC

With more than 30 years of experience, The University of Scranton SBDC’s Consultant Manager, Donna Simpson has worked with every kind of small business imaginable. Her vast and varied experience is of great benefit to her small business clients. Donna’s areas of expertise include accounting and bookkeeping, business planning and financial analysis, continuity planning and exporting. She earned NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and completed a trade mission to Santiago, Chile. She also earned an Advanced Export & Trade Counseling Certification Advanced Export & Trade Counseling Certification, from SBA Office of International Trade SBA Office of International Trade.

Will Hooten

Penn State SBDC

Will Hooten is a business consultant for the Penn State Small Business Development Center. He currently holds the Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) certification through the International Society of Business Appraisers and earned NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). His consulting efforts are primarily focused on business appraisal, accounting and bookkeeping, financial forecasting, artificial intelligence, international trade, SBIR, social media and digital strategy, feasibility study, market research, bringing new or additional products to market, contract negotiation and sales. Will has helped clients in industries ranging from food and beverage, retail, technology, engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals/healthcare, construction, real estate, and renewable energy.

Sebastien Torre

Temple University SBDC

Sebatien Torre is part of the Temple SBDC ENRICH program. Since 1999, partner and founder of Venture Development International, LLC and Venture & Capital International LLC dba European American Enterprise Council (EAEC), Sebastien has directly participated in the US, EU and international business development, strategic marketing, venture capital funding and M&A efforts of 100+ small, medium and large (some public) European and US software, hardware and wireless companies; including long term executive/VP roles at SWT SA acquired by Captiva Software and then acquired by EMC, and at Captaris, Inc. acquired by Opentext.

EAEC is an active member of the European Commission’s Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), and was an initial consortium partner of Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs Global and ENRICH in the USA. Sebastien holds a MBA from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Accounting and Finance and CPA degrees from ICS in Paris France.

Brent Rondon

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Brent has over 25 years of experience in international trade assistance. As the Senior International Trade Consultant he assists in exports, imports, foreign direct investment, cultural communications and immigrant entrepreneurs. He led the Impact Project from 2014-2018 where he did trade missions to the Pacific Alliance countries of Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile in the industries of energy, construction, mining, water and infrastructure. He is in the board of NASBITE International, Global Pittsburgh, Sister Cities International and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is fluent in Spanish and intermediate Portuguese. He is a CGBP and got her Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

Aleshia Marshall

Clarion University SBDC

Aleshia Marshall, who graduated with her MBA from Clarion University, is a dedicated business consultant who assists startup and existing businesses in Potter, Elk, and McKean counties. She is an SBA certified international trade consultant. Aleshia is the chair of the state wide committee, YCSBDC (young consultants of the small business development center). Her expertise are in business plan writing, financial modeling, and relationship building.

Dorothy Lane

Wilkes University SBDC

Dorothy has over 20 years of experience with the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center. Over the years she has worked with a wide variety of clients in almost every industry sector. Her areas of expertise are marketing and human resources. Dorothy is an SBA certified international trade consultant.

Lenin Agudo

Widener University SBDC

Lenin Agudo the Director of Widener SBDC. Lenin is a high performance motivator with experience in supporting economic growth for small businesses, government administrations and economic development organizations. Utilizing a design-thinking trajectory, he consults with clients and delivers vibrant, experience-oriented, market driven and economic development results. Lenin is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional and is fluent in Spanish.

Blandine Chantepie-Kari

Temple University SBDC

Blandine Chantepie-Kari is the Program Manager for International Programs & ENRICH in the USA at Temple SBDC. She is an international strategist with 15+ years of experience, specializes in international trade, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction programs, and ecosystem building. ENRICH in the USA is a European Network of Research and Innovation Centers and Hubs funded by the European Commission. As a consortium partner, Temple SBDC leads the ENRICH initiative in the USA with the support of NCURA National Council of University Research Administrators.

Since February 2016, Blandine is also the Vice President, University & Entrepreneurship – Soft Landing Programs of the European American Enterprise Council, member of the Enterprise European Network (EEN). As a grant writer, she has developed and contributed to different governmental funded transatlantic programs and initiatives. In 2018, Blandine was the initiator and manager of the Global Startup Accelerator (GSA) under the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians directed this EDA-funded initiative in partnership with the University City Science Center. Previously, Blandine served as Co-Director of Trade Services for the Philadelphia Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC).

Blandine received a Master’s Degree in Economics, majoring in International Business, from the International School of Business and Management of Lille (IESEG) in France. She researched and completed her Master’s thesis as a grad student in the Border Studies Department of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). During her studies, she was also a Research Assistant at UTEP’s Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research & Planning. And she was part of a one-year Erasmus student exchange program at Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary. Over the years, in Europe, Canada, and United-States, Blandine has acquired valuable experience in a wide range of industries, including Biotech/MedTech, CleanTech, IoT, SmartCity, Manufacturing, and Consumer Goods.

Andrea Hampton

Lehigh University SBDC

Andrea Hampton is a Consultant at Lehigh SBDC. She provides business consulting services for startup and pre-venture small business owners. Areas of expertise include industry research, business planning, strategic planning, management assistance, and decision making. She is the Point of Contact for the Lehigh Export Network and is an International Trade Consultant with the statewide network. She is also a GrowthWheel Certified Business Advisor.

Elaina DeHoratius

Temple University SBDC

Elaina is a Business Consultant at Temple SBDC. She has experience working in and with nonprofits, custom brokerage firms, market research facilities, and financial institutions in departments such as Organizational Effectiveness, Talent Management, Legal, Compliance, and Risk. She has experience counseling and working with entrepreneurs, with business plan creation and development, with digital marketing and social media strategy, and with conducting and providing customized industry, market, competitor research/analyses, and country analyses. She graduated from Temple University’s Fox School of Business Honors program with a BBA in Human Resource Management and International Business, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, and holds a MS in Globalization and Development Communication from Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication and a MS in Digital Innovation in Marketing from Temple University’s Fox School of Business.

Jacob Jones

Gannon University SBDC

Jacob Jones has been a Business Consultant at the Gannon University SBDC since 2018. He is a 2017 graduate of Gannon University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and 2021 graduate of the Masters in Public Administration program. He brings to the SBDC over 8 years’ experience in sales, management, and organizational leadership. Jacob consults with entrepreneurs and small businesses from start-up to expansion to acquisition.

Brett Smith

Lehigh University SBDC

Brett is the Director of Lehigh SBDC. He received a Bachelors in International Studies and Economics from University of Richmond, with a concentration in World Politics & Diplomacy. He has field experience in Chile and Argentina, as well as at ITESO Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara. He completed an MBA in International Business at Lehigh University. He has over 10 years of experience consulting small businesses and entrepreneurs with the SBDC.

Vivian Azar

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Vivian is the IT Manager for the Pennsylvania SBDC network. Her primary responsibilities involve providing technical support on behalf of the SBDC network, while also giving strategic insight into ways to bring technological improvements and innovation to the network. She has a degree in Computer Science: IT from Kutztown University and enjoys using her skills to provide improvements to everyday processes at the SBDC.

Marcia McGavisk

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Marcia joined the Pennsylvania SBDC in December of 2018. She is responsible for oversight of capital formation goals for the network and training consultants to assess the credit worthiness of borrowers for banks. Because so many entrepreneurs require the assistance of SBA, Marcia continues to stay up to date on all SBA SOPs and program rule requirements. From a former small business owner, Marcia then became a commercial SBA lender for a traditional bank more than 30 years ago. She spent the entire 30 plus years as a dedicated SBA specialist with 13 years as an SBA 7(a) program manager for a large regional bank. She joined Seedcopa in 2012 to manage the credit and operations functions at Seedcopa, a CDC providing SBA 504 loans to borrowers and SBA 7a Lender Service Provider services to banks. In addition to her degree in Finance, she has a minor in English and Spanish from Albright College. Marcia has gained considerable credit training and commercial lending training through numerous courses and training offered by RMA, SBA, and previous employers.

Val Nyby

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Val is a well rounded graphic and web designer who is passionate about user experience and inclusivity in design. Beyond aesthetics, Val believes that great design involves research, critical thinking, and an understanding of who she is designing for. Val is responsible for working independently and strategically with the lead office strategic leadership team and Center Directors to craft visual content that helps educate prospective small business clients while also supporting key strategic network messaging and helping to differentiate the SBDC experience.

In addition to her design skills, Val has proven to be someone who takes initiative, is dependable, and has the ability to motivate and lead others in a team environment. These characteristics have allowed her to successfully hold supervisory and managerial positions. Prior to her design career, Val managed a popular, fast-paced salon in Bethlehem for several years. In that role she was responsible for upwards of 14 staff members, the daily operation of the business, small business financial management, and superior customer relations.

Juliet Ngoroje

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Juliet joined the Pennsylvania SBDC in August of 2018 as an accounting and finance graduate assistant in pursuit of a Master of Business Administration. She is currently the Pennsylvania SBDC Budget Analyst and is responsible for managing the funding sources relevant to the operation of the SBDC and administering all necessary documentation to such sources. She coordinates all internal federal budget operations including reporting requirements in compliance with federal, university policies, and audit requirements. She also monitors and maintains direct, indirect, overhead, and in-kind matching requirements and budgetary controls as mandated by each funding source and contractual obligation for the Lead Office and the Pennsylvania SBDC Network.

In addition, Juliet provides support for special projects that are funded at the Lead Office and within the network. She prepares monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and year-end reports that are relevant and contain compliance issues to the myriad of programs conducted by the Network.

FAQs ABOUT SBIR/STTR

What is considered a technology company?

Many small companies are working in areas of technology and conducting research but do not view themselves as being part of the high technology industry. The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers have developed a definition of technology, along with a listing of North American Industrial Classification Codes, to assist small businesses in determining their technology niche.

A technology company is defined as:

A pre-venture entrepreneur attempting to commercialize a practical application of science; or
An existing business that utilizes the practical application of science for commercial purposes

What are the three phases of SBIR?

Phase I is a feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an idea. Awards are for periods of up to six months in amounts up to $150,000. Phase II is to expand on the results of and further pursue the development of Phase I. Awards are for periods of up to two years in amounts up to $1,000,000. Phase III is for the commercialization of the results of Phase II and requires the use of private sector or non-SBIR Federal funding.

Do you have to be a Phase I awardee in order to be considered for Phase II of a project?

Yes. In order to be considered for any of the later Phases of SBIR awards you must first have been awarded a Phase I grant.

What Federal Agencies participate in the SBIR Program?

The following Federal agencies are eligible to participate:

Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Transportation
Environmental Protection Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation

Are foreign-based firms eligible for SBIR awards?

No. To be eligible for award of SBIR funding agreements, a small business concern has to meet the following qualifications: be independently owned and operated principal place of business is located in the United States at least 51 percent owned or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of its voting stock is owned by United States citizens or lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens.

Sarah Mailloux

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Sarah is a recognized leader in the workforce, with a demonstrated track record of managing, training, and collaborating with colleagues and organizational partners. A three-time University of Delaware alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations (with specializations in Political Economics, Asian Studies, and Legal Studies), a Master’s of Science in International Business, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship.

Prior to being the Associate State Director, Sarah was the Digital Strategies Program Manager for the PASBDC at Temple University and also holds Lead Office experience as the Operations Manager for Delaware SBDC. She has over 10 years of work experience that runs the gamut from operations management, strategic leadership, change management, project management, business licensing, accounting, government planning and legislative policy, non-profit public relations, program analytics, research and data collection, entrepreneurial leadership and strategy, market research and implementation, social media and web design, instructional design, to retail and customer service.

Sarah is known for emphasizing strategic leadership and lean efficiencies to spur growth and change. An accomplished public speaker, Sarah has presented at multiple universities and economic development organizations, including several statewide conferences. With a background in instructional design, she has also created educational programs in digital marketing, onboarding and orientation, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning.

Bill Pearce

Widener University SBDC

Bill Pearce is an International Trade Specialist and Business Consultant at Widener SBDC. He is an accomplished 35+ year corporate business executive and small business owner with proven track record of results, innovation, and developing leaders in the areas of sales & marketing, business development, and strategy. At Widener SBDC, he assists regional small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with start-up, improvement/resilience, and increasing USA importing & exporting activities. He has significant experience landing large capital projects, mergers and acquisitions, ensuring product competitiveness, and managing international teams in North and South America, Europe and Asia. He has in-country experience in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and India.

Jim Kunkel

Saint Vincent College SBDC

Jim Kunkel is the Director of St. Vincent College SBDC. In this position, he heads a team of management consultants whose mission is to provide professional planning, technical assistance, education and information to small and medium sized businesses. Mr. Kunkel earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Penn State University. He has also successfully completed faculty development certificate training in international business at the University of South Carolina and the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird Management Center). In addition to his duties within the SBDC, Mr. Kunkel is also an adjunct professor at Saint Vincent College where he teaches two courses: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Global Management.

Doug Harding

Duquesne University SBDC

Douglas brings over 35 years of managing international business development activities for various multinational heavy industrial manufacturing companies. Douglas is experienced in strategizing and spearheading new market development initiatives in the industrial sector with a strong focus on leading new strategic initiatives to extend a company’s reach in the global market. Having traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Douglas has shown deep intuitive understanding and sensitivities of various global business cultures, a skill set that has helped companies succeed in entering and expanding in the global industrial markets. Douglas is an SBA-Certified Export and Trade Counselor. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Douglas is fluent in Spanish, and holds an MBA from Syracuse University and an MA in Economics from Georgia State University.

Vickie Gyenes

Saint Vincent College SBDC

Vickie Gyenes is the Global Trade Manager for the St. Vincent College SBDC. She earned the National Association of Small Business Development Centers’ 2010 State Star, an award for demonstrating exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business. Vickie’s work with the Center for Global Competitiveness helped the SBDC claim the President of the United States “E” Award for Excellence; one of the most prestigious forms of recognition offered by the U.S. Government to those involved in business or business service. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a MSM-OE from Saint Vincent College and is a NASBITE International Certified Global Business Professional. In addition, she has planned and assisted delegations of local companies in trade mission preparation and implementation to Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

Tiffany Thompson

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Tiffany Thompson joined the Lead Office in July 2020. As Office Manager, Tiffany Thompson oversees the day-to-day activities of the Lead Office, scheduling meetings, spearheading internal communication, and coordinating events. Tiffany has worked in higher ed administration for over a decade, and also has experience teaching internationally. When not in the office you can find her reading, drinking tea, or planning her next trip abroad.

Rachael Wolfe

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Rachael is a digital content creator that has a passion for telling the story of small business through unique imagery. She works on the lead office marketing team focusing on Marketing and Social Media. Rachael studied Sociology at Kutztown University and then continued to earn a Master’s Degree in Education focusing on Higher Education. She believes in the transformative opportunities that higher education provides to all students but also the impact students leave on the professionals they meet during their college career. At the Pennsylvania SBDC she is able to connect with clients throughout the network to capture special moments in their entrepreneurship journey and works on marketing campaigns utilizing photography, graphic design, and videography. Rachael identifies as a crazy plant lady, Twitter enthusiast, thrifting queen, and lover of adventure. In her free time, you will always find her camera in her hand, and chances are you’ll spot her a mile away in her little yellow Volkswagen Beetle. After all, all anyone really needs is a good adventure.

Dominique Smiley

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Dominique Smiley is the Program Manager for the Southeast PA PTAC, based in Philadelphia. She has over five years of experience assisting small business owners with government contracting, including three and a half years with the PennDOT Supportive Services Centers once housed at Cheyney University and one year working in grants administration. In addition to helping businesses work with the government, Dominique has her own publishing and education services company, Happie Literacy Works, co-owns a travel company and has her own travel blog. She has a B.A. in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from Howard University and has her M.A. in English from University of New Orleans.

Francene Dudziec

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Francene Dudziec joined the Pennsylvania SBDC in October 2014 and Lead Office in April 2020. Accomplished in marketing, communication and media relations, her experience includes a demonstrated history of creative direction at highly visible, well-known organizations and institutions. She has close to 30 years of directing core communication and branding efforts, including extensive experience with managing the marketing support for strategic goals, public profiles, university-wide events, student-centered initiatives, state-wide programming and establishing and maintaining relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Francene is known for her mission-driven entrepreneurial leadership style. Francene is also a creator of original gift brands and lifestyle products.

Beth Alboucq

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Beth Ann Alboucq is the Program Manager for Disaster Response, responsible for assisting the team of COVID-19 business specialists across the state as they aid small businesses recover and grow beyond pandemic-related challenges. A 2020 graduate of Kutztown University with a M.A. in Public Administration, emphasis in Administrative Law, Beth also holds degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice Administration. Her several years’ experience working within state and local government has aided her in completing studies on the PA state CRIZ program, as well as organizing community-based economic recovery initiatives for small towns and boroughs within the northeast sector of the state. As a small business proprietor and nationally certified paralegal, she also consults with local law firms in the areas of business incorporation and probate administration. When not at her desk, you can find Beth with her children Ian and Evelyn, re-learning 5^th grade mathematics to help them with their homework, or cheering from the sidelines as a ‘team mom’ at their sporting events.

Larry March

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Larry is a native of the Mississippi Delta by way of Tchula, MS. 2013 alumni of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s in accounting and a long resume of working in leadership organizations and community service projects. His post college career was spent shortly in small loan finance and predominantly corporate accounting 2013-2016. His time in Research Administration began 2017 in Baton Rouge Louisiana as Accountant and Business Manager for Louisiana Sea Grant Program based at Louisiana State University. Driven by ambition Larry managed an internal system transition while also completing the 4-part CPA examination January 2018. During his time in Louisiana, he served a short term as a Louisiana State Auditor and completed the Executive Master of Business Administration program at LSU December 2020. Still search for his place in Larry began a small Accounting Bookkeeping & Tax firm with five partners remotely located to pursue his newfound passion of assisting Small Businesses succeed. It was through the desire to start his own business that he first encountered SBDCs across the country. Throughout the time Larry learned the concept of SBAs efforts in assisting in driving economic development and saw an opportunity to accept his current role as Associate Director of Finance for Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.

Ernie Post

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Certificates in international trade and exporting from Thunderbird Management School. Assisted in launching the CIM program that provided the primary PC and CAD/CAM training for a Fortune 100 Company. Initiated the launch of the international trade program at Gannon University. Provided strategic direction for the launch of a blended learning program for nascent entrepreneurs at KUSBDC. Taught MBA and undergraduate courses in international trade and marketing research. Over 20 years of senior level management responsibility in a higher education management consulting group.

Specialties: Entrepreneurial learning, online learning effectiveness, international trade, economic development.

Private pilot VFR certified, single engine. Currently preparing for IFR exam.

Carrie Wintersteen

Widener University SBDC

Carrie Wintersteen is an Environmental Consultant for the EMAP program with over 15 years of experience in environmental regulatory compliance and air quality permitting.

Carrie has experience on “all sides of the table”, working as a state regulator, an environmental engineer for a manufacturing facility and a project engineer for a consulting firm. She joined the EMAP program in 2014 and was part of the team awarded the EPA Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Providing Technical Assistance to the Small Business Community.

Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech with a minor in chemistry.

Charles Haney

Shippensburg University SBDC

Prior to joining EMAP, Chuck spent the past three years with the Pennsylvania DEP, where he specialized in solid waste compliance and storage tank issues. Chuck also worked for four years as part of a laboratory research team at the University of Pittsburgh.

Chuck has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University and a BS from Penn State.

Jeremy Hancher

Widener University SBDC

Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC. He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance & technical assistance, environmental policy, and program management. He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.

In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. In 2018, he was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to act as a member of the Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.

Lee Ann Briggs

Duquesne University SBDC & University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Lee Ann Briggs is an Environmental Consultant for the EMAP program with over 30 years of environmental regulatory compliance experience in both consulting and industrial capacities. In addition to her experience working as an environmental consultant for EMAP at both the Duquesne University SBDC and the University of Pittsburgh SBDC, she was previously the Manager of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for a paint and coatings manufacturer, providing full environmental, product safety and employee safety compliance for 9 years. Lee Ann works closely with the Allegheny County Health Department’s Air Quality Program. She too was part of the team awarded the EPA Administrator’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Providing Technical Assistance to the Small Business Community.

Lee Ann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University. She is also a Registered Environmental Manager (REM) with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals.

Timothy Keohane

Penn State SBDC

Before serving in current capacity as director of the Penn State SBDC, Tim worked with the Lock Haven University SBDC for 20 years as director and business consultant. He has spent the majority of professional career focusing on relationship building – with customers, clients, and other organizations, as well as co-workers, volunteers and supervisors.

Specialties: Business planning, financial and feasibility analysis, financing and loan packaging, capital acquisition, sales, marketing and advertising, tax compliance

Cynthia A. Nellis

Clarion University SBDC

Cindy has been with the Clarion University SBDC since September 1996. Cindy is responsible for overseeing and directing the assignment and coordination of the SBDC staff and its operations. In addition, Cindy provides confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners and developing and instructing educational programs for the SBDC.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Cindy worked in the banking industry for 10 years. She graduated from The Ohio State University.

Lisa Hall-Zielinski

The University of Scranton SBDC

Raised in a family business, Lisa Hall Zielinski has always had a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. As Director of The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Lisa ensures small businesses in eight Northeastern Pennsylvania counties have access to the guidance and support they need to overcome challenges and find success.

Lisa continues to grow her passion for leadership through active involvement in the local community and by serving as an adjunct leadership and management instructor. A graduate of Duquesne University (MS) and Keystone College (BS, AA), she is experienced in the areas of training and consulting, fundraising, and non-profit management. Assisting food and agriculture businesses is one of her areas of expertise and she is a ServSafe® certified instructor and proctor for the National Restaurant Association.

Lisa has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards; most recently she was named one of the Northeast PA Business Journal’s 2013 Top 25 Women in Business. Involved in initiatives within Pennsylvania and across the nation, she serves on the boards of various organizations, as well as America’s SBDC Professional Development & Education Conference Committee.

Michael DiVecchio

Clarion University SBDC

With over 35 years of experience in education, consulting and working within the food service industry, Michael joined the Clarion SBDC in January of 2021 under Cares Act. After earning a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from LVC, Michael has assisted numerous food service establishments in various ways.

Michael has assisted restaurants of all sizes, food trucks, farmers markets and farm stands, as well as small grocery stores and chains. His areas of expertise include workflow analysis, cost control (food/beverage/labor), human resources (hiring/retention/job descriptions), customer service training/professional development, maximizing menu effectiveness (marketing/pricing/kitchen capabilities), and marketing strategies including internet & social media.

Benefits Michael’s clients have seen are increased profitability and sustainability, better work-life balance, social responsibility in the community, increased employee retention, more efficient internal controls, and greater confidence in strategic direction.

Winifred McGee

The University of Scranton SBDC

Winifred’s areas of expertise include agri-business and food enterprise start-up and expansion; shared kitchen incubator management; enterprise feasibility studies, business planning and financial analysis; and grant application coaching for agricultural and food enterprises. She initiated and served as lead instructor for the Penn State Extension Food for Profit workshop (providing an introduction to the building blocks for food entrepreneurship to more than 1500 participants throughout Pennsylvania, other states and at National conferences). She co-authored curriculum, and has served as instructor, for workshops on business planning for farm and food enterprises, and farm financial management, as well as provided extensive one-to-one counseling about starting and managing growth for farm and food ventures.

Winifred is a certified instructor for Annie’s Project©, True Colors® and NxLevel™ instruction and received certification as a Master Consultant, Business Retention and Expansion International. She also completed the US Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation’s SBIR Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program, enabling her to coach farmers preparing applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Small Business Innovation and Research grant funding. In addition, in 2018 she was recognized for outstanding service related to Extension education by Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture.

Martin Brill

Penn State SBDC

Martin Brill has been with the Kutztown and Penn State SBDCs for 26 years and is the Coordinator for the Agricultural Center of Excellence. His experience with ag and food entities includes business planning for growth, increased sales and product line extensions; reviewing Federal and State loan applications, projections and assumptions; organizing & participating in advisory board meetings; practical research of competitors, best practices and benchmarking: and exporting a variety of shelf stable, refrigerated and frozen food products.

Many agribusiness challenges are complex, requiring multiple disciplines and a range of expertise that any one individual may not have. We therefore routinely work with SBDCs across Pennsylvania and with outside & private consultants to reach optimal results.

Small Business Development Centers

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Small Business Development Centers

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Small Business Development Centers

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Small Business Development Centers

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Small Business Development Centers

Pennsylvania

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Pennsylvania

Small Business Development Centers

Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.

Pennsylvania

Small Business Development Centers

Pennsylvania

Small Business Development Centers

BECOME A CLIENT

Have an idea for a new business?

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Want to buy or sell a business in Pennsylvania?

Our success is measured by the success of our clients. These are their stories.

Client Success Story

Widener University SBDC

Silvia's Bakery

Client Success Story

Kutztown University SBDC

RADIUS CORPORATION

Client Success Story

Bucknell University SBDC

G.S. Woods FinancialSolutions, LLC

Find Your Local SBDC Center

Find Your Local SBDC Center

Not located in Pennsylvania? Find your SBDC in your state.

Kara Riccioni

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Natasa Borcanin

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

FIND YOUR LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA SBDC CENTER BY REGION AND COUNTY

WESTERN PA

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Donna J. Simpson

The University of Scranton SBDC

Will Hooten

Penn State SBDC

Sebastien Torre

Temple University SBDC

Brent Rondon

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Aleshia Marshall

Clarion University SBDC

Dorothy Lane

Wilkes University SBDC

Lenin Agudo

Widener University SBDC

Blandine Chantepie-Kari

Temple University SBDC

Andrea Hampton

Lehigh University SBDC

Elaina DeHoratius

Temple University SBDC

Jacob Jones

Gannon University SBDC

Brett Smith

Lehigh University SBDC

Vivian Azar

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Marcia McGavisk

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Val Nyby

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Juliet Ngoroje

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

FAQs ABOUT SBIR/STTR

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