PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Author Turns Debut Book Into Asthma Awareness Mission

Jake Lockett, a traditionally published children’s author from rural Clearfield County, built his author business around My Life as an Asthmanaut: A Book About Asthma, released by Free Spirit Publishing in 2026. What began as a book launch quickly became a mission-driven platform to promote literacy, health education, and asthma awareness through school visits, library readings, book signings, festivals, and community events across Pennsylvania.

“I loved working with the SBDC in securing a grant to help me expand my children’s author platform into a solid business.”

As a debut author preparing to enter the marketplace, Jake needed more than enthusiasm and a powerful message. He needed startup capital, a funder-ready business plan, and a clear use-of-funds strategy that explained how website development, marketing, author copies, shipping supplies, vendor fees, and public transportation would help him reach families and readers.

The PennWest Clarion SBDC helped Jake turn his creative vision into a practical business case. Consultant Aleshia Marshall guided the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program application process, clarified eligible expenses, contacted the Centre Foundation to confirm requirements, and helped Jake strengthen a business plan presentation with improved positioning, financial projections, and a stronger description of his author platform. The Center also submitted the required referral form and later connected Jake with additional marketing feedback through SSBCI-supported assistance.

That preparation paid off. Jake was awarded a CEAP grant to support marketing, website development, book promotion, author copies, event participation, shipping supplies, and travel. He launched his book at the Penn State University Bookstore and began planning additional readings, interviews, newsletter outreach, and promotional opportunities tied to Disability Pride Month and Asthma Peak Month—turning a single title into a broader campaign for awareness and education.

With SBDC support, Jake transformed a debut children’s book into a mission-driven small business with measurable capital formation and meaningful community impact. “I loved working with the SBDC in securing a grant to help me expand my children’s author platform into a solid business,” Jake shared. “The SBDC was kind, professional, and knowledgeable.” For Jake, the grant is a launchpad to reach more children, families, schools, and libraries with an accessible message about asthma; for the community, his work shows how creative entrepreneurship can deliver both economic and social value in rural Pennsylvania.