Agriculture

Michael DiVecchio

PennWest Clarion 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.

Lee Ann Briggs

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.

Brent Rondon

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Brent G. Rondon is currently the Senior Management Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Innovation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. In that capacity he consults with export-import clients who want to engage in international trade as well as immigrant/international entrepreneurs who are newcomers to the Pittsburgh region and want to open their own businesses.

Previously, he was the Manager of the Global Business Program at the Duquesne University SBDC. Brent managed export projects to assist U.S. equipment manufacturers to enter Latin American countries of U.S.-Made equipment. He has traveled extensively and led trade missions to countries such as Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, China, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil.

He received a Master’s Degree of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and a Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. His undergraduate studies were in Lima, Peru, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Engineering from the La Molina National University. He is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) from NASBITE International, on the board of Global Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto’s Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities International, NASBITE International and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Diverse Communities Group. He is fluent in Spanish and intermediate Portuguese.

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.

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.

Aleshia Marshall

PennWest Clarion 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Kutztown University.

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.

Raymond Vargo

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Raymond L. Vargo, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center at the IEE, counsels businesses at all stages of their lifecycle.

Working with businesses in industries such as retail, high tech, manufacturing and professional services, he provides strategic business and financial advice to help companies expand their profits, explore new markets and overcome business challenges.

Since opening the Washington County Outreach Office of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center in 1995, Vargo has grown it to become one of the most successful outreach offices in the Pennsylvania SBDC system.

He has become a leader and valuable resource for Western Pennsylvania businesses, and in addition to his consulting management responsibilities, Vargo teaches accounting and small business management to both undergraduate and graduate students at Waynesburg College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Pennsylvania State University
Master of Business Administration, California University of Pennsylvania

Jeffrey A. Boldizar

Saint Francis University SBDC

Jeff has been employed with the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center since May 1985. He provides these services primarily to businesses in Blair, Bedford and Huntingdon Counties.

Jeff served as a Business Analyst at the Center from May 1985 through April 1997. He provided a variety of services to all types of businesses including start-up procedures, business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing/advertising and research.

In April 1997, he became the Center’s Senior Business Consultant. In addition to serving as a Business Analyst, he also oversees the activities of the other consultants and student assistants.

In July 2018, he became the Director of the Center. Jeff is a graduate of Saint Francis University with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Human Resource Management. He is the longest serving full-time employee in the PASBDC system.

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.

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

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.

Tiffany Thompson

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Tiffany joined the Pennsylvania SBDC in July 2020. As Director of Administration & Organizational Effectiveness, she provides oversight of internal communication, supports strategic planning, and leads professional development and workplace culture initiatives. She works both independently and collaboratively with the Lead Office team and Center Directors to advance network priorities.

In addition to a B.A. in Literature, Tiffany holds a Master of Arts from KU Leuven. She has over 12 years of experience in education, and including roles in higher ed administration, strategic planning, admissions recruiting, event planning, and more. Internationally she has worked as both a secondary school teacher and university professor. Before joining the SBDC, she was teaching ESL & Literature classes in China. When not in the office you can find her reading, drinking tea, or planning her next trip abroad.

Cindy Nellis

PennWest Clarion SBDC

Cindy has been with the PennWest Clarion 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.

James H. 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.

Karl Kraus

Temple University SBDC

Karl Kraus is the interim director of the Temple University Small Business Development Center. He manages Temple University’s Ambler Campus SBDC location and is a Senior Business Consultant specializing in companies that are commercializing new technologies and those in the manufacturing sector. Karl also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Fox School of Business’ Department of Management, teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business management. He is Managing Partner of Material Growth Partners LLC, a consulting firm that provides technical and market evaluation of emerging technologies for the investment community in order to inform their investing decisions. Karl also serves as a member of the Advisory Committee for investments in the Physical Sciences Sector at Ben Franklin Technology Partners Southeastern PA. Karl has started and operated 2 independent firms, 4 new business units within industrial corporations, and has advised over 800 client companies in all phases of operations, from pre-venture through launch and growth to successful exits, all in a wide variety of business sectors.

Robin Burtner

Shippensburg University SBDC

Robin has a Master’s of Business Administration and a M.A. in Higher Education Administration. Robin has been with the center since its opening in January 2007.

John Stetler

Kutztown University SBDC

Over 15 years of experience working with businesses and organizations, helping them increase profitability/productivity and improve company culture and business growth. Previously held positions as Director of Business Operations for a private small business, CFO of his family start-up and a manager of budget and entrepreneurship programs for Montgomery County Community College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education departments. John is now responsible for planning, developing and implementing programs offered by the Small Business Administration to the Kutztown University SBDC and oversight of those initiatives.

Areas of Expertise
Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Project Change Management and Business Operations.

Educational Background
Master of Science – Organizational Leadership/Project Management, Colorado State University, Pueblo, CO
Bachelor of Science – Accounting, DeVry University, Fort Washington, PA

Maggie Horne

Gannon University SBDC

Margaret (Maggie) U. Horne, MBA, CVA is the Director of Gannon University Small Business Development Center. Maggie earned an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in marketing and management from Penn State University, and her MBA from Point Park University. She is also an Certified Valuation Analyst. Her background includes experience in law, accounting, education and business valuation. Maggie co-launched the first independent valuation firm in Western Pennsylvania where she consulted with numerous clients, including Microsoft, UPS, Ford, Proctor & Gamble, and Caterpillar. She was involved in over 50 mergers and acquisitions. Maggie developed and conducted numerous presentations related to business valuation and competitive intelligence.

Maggie has published articles and presented locally and nationally on topics including competitive intelligence, business valuation and business management. She has also taught a variety of courses for colleges and universities. The first six years with the SBDC, Maggie provided general consulting services to pre-venture clients and existing businesses in Mercer County and specialized business valuation consulting services to clients in Erie, Warren, Crawford and Mercer counties. She served as Manager of Business Consulting prior to her appointment as Director of the Center. Maggie currently provides strategic planning and valuation services for SBDC clients.

Richard Longo

Duquesne University SBDC

Rich Longo is the Director of Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business – Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where he assists new and existing businesses in the areas of business plan development: financial forecasting/financial statement development: marketing strategy and implementation plans. Rich is also certified in Technology Commercialization.

Previous positions held include Owner/CEO of RIOL; LLC a boutique consulting firm specializing in Group Medical Practice Management, Pay for Performance, Accountable Care Organizations (ACO’S), and Productivity and Quality Outcomes-based physician-based compensation and Senior Vice President, Network Management for Devon Health Services, Inc. King of Prussia, PA, one of the largest regional PPOs in the Northeast.

Rich has also served as adjunct faculty at Robert Morris University and the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (cum laude) from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree (magna cum laude) from the University of Pittsburgh.

Rich Longo named distinguished alumni in the School of Nursing in 2021.

Steven Stumbris

Bucknell University SBDC

Steven Stumbris promotes an entrepreneurial mindset and a culture of innovation in central Pennsylvania as the Director of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center. Bucknell’s center was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration with the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award for Pennsylvania in 2016. He initiated the Startup Lewisburg entrepreneur incubator program and founded BizPitch, a business pitch competition for student startups. Stumbris serves on the boards of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation; and is a community organizer for One Million Cups Susquehanna Valley, a regional program that educates, engages, and connects entrepreneurs. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.

Kelly Guillen

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Kelly is the Budget Analyst for the Pennsylvania SBDC network. She is responsible for assisting the Senior Budget Analyst complete and organize financial workbooks, invoices, and schedules in a timely manner. She has a degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University and has worked in public accounting for over three years where she specialized as a tax accountant for individual and trust returns. Kelly has goals to help the SBDC expand their tax accounting assistance for their clients allowing them to better take advantage of tax credits and initiatives without overspending.

Lynn Loaiza

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Lynn Loaiza has worked in various positions throughout the PASBDC network. In 2018 she joined the PASBDC as an intern and in August 2019 as a marketing and finance graduate assistant in pursuit of a Master of Business administration. She was employed as a business consultant for the KUSBDC in 2020, providing guidance to existing and start up businesses in developing business plans, financial projections, and underlying narrative financial assumptions, along with loan structuring and preparing a loan package for lenders. Currently she is the Assistant Director of Capital Acquisition, responsible for helping the oversight of capital formation goals for the network and training workshops to help clients access capital. When Lynn is not at her desk, you can find her in a yoga class or cuddled up with her two dogs reading history-related books.

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.

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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

AGRICULTURECONSULTING SERVICES

UPCOMING AGRICULTURE WEBINARS/SEMINARS

UPCOMING AGRICULTURE WEBINARS/SEMINARS

HOW AG CONSULTING DIFFERS FROM GENERAL BUSINESS CONSULTING

FEATURED AGRICULTURE CLIENTS

Client Success StoryKutztown University SBDC & Penn State SBDC

Coexist Build

Client Success StoryThe University of Scranton SBDC

Arise Cafe

Profiles of Agriculture Team

Martin Brill

Michael DiVecchio

Lisa Hall Zielinski

Timothy Keohane

Winifred McGee

Cynthia A. Nellis

Kara Riccioni

CONTACT US

Centers of Excellence

Agriculture Center of Excellence

Michael DiVecchio

PennWest Clarion SBDC

Lee Ann Briggs

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Brent Rondon

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Sebastien Torre

Temple University SBDC

Bill Pearce

Widener University SBDC

Aleshia Marshall

PennWest Clarion SBDC

Will Hooten

Penn State SBDC

Doug Harding

Duquesne University SBDC

Andrea Hampton

Lehigh University SBDC

Vickie Gyenes

Saint Vincent College SBDC

Elaina DeHoratius

Temple University SBDC

Blandine Chantepie-Kari

Temple University SBDC

Val Nyby

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Dorothy Lane

Wilkes University SBDC

Lenin Agudo

Widener University SBDC

Raymond Vargo

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

Jeffrey A. Boldizar

Saint Francis University SBDC

Brett Smith

Lehigh University SBDC

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Charles Haney

Shippensburg University SBDC

Tiffany Thompson

Pennsylvania SBDC Lead Office

Cindy Nellis

PennWest Clarion SBDC

James H. Kunkel

Saint Vincent College SBDC

Karl Kraus

Temple University SBDC

Robin Burtner

Shippensburg University SBDC

John Stetler

Kutztown University SBDC

Maggie Horne

Gannon University SBDC

Richard Longo

Duquesne University SBDC

Steven Stumbris