-
What is the Small Business Development
Center?
The Small Business Development Center program provides no-cost confidential
consulting and low cost training in proven management fundamentals helping
small business owners and potential entrepreneurs make sound decisions for
the successful operation of their business.
-
How can the SBDC help someone just thinking of starting
a business?
The SBDC offers Entrepreneurial Assessment, Pre-Business and Business Planning
seminars for those individuals who want general information on starting a
business, or who are in the initial start-up phase. SBDC consultants can then
help you with the details of turning your plan into a successful reality.
-
Do you have to be in business to use the services of the
Small Business Development Center?
No. You only have to be considering the idea of opening a business or researching
the feasibility of a proposed profit-making venture.
-
My business has been established for some time. How can
the SBDC help me?
The SBDC provides an
array of
consulting services to established businesses including one-on-one consulting
in business planning, marketing and promotion, financial analysis, accounting,
record keeping, human resources, strategic planning, new market diversification,
among several other areas. In addition, a
Procurement
Technical Assistance program is available for companies that want to bid
on government contracts and an
International
Business program is available for firms that want to enter into or expand
in the global marketplace. The
Environmental
Management Assistance Program provides improvements to your bottom line
through pollution prevention, energy efficiency and strategic environmental
management. The
Technology Commercialization
Assistance Program assists high growth and technology firms with sophisticated
business management issues. The Pennsylvania SBDC helps businesses in all
stages.
-
Can I get help from the SBDC if my business is set up
as a not-for-profit business?
Because of the SBDC's funding guidelines, the Pennsylvania Small Business
Development Centers are not able to assist businesses that are established
as not-for-profit.
-
What can I expect from my
LHU SBDC consultant?
At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business needs or
proposal, determine a course of action and identify areas that both of you
will be responsible for completing. Your consultant will then follow up with
an engagement letter detailing your meeting and listing the items that both
of you will be working on, along with an estimated time frame for completion
and anticipated outcomes.
To learn more about what to expect as a LHU SBDC client,
click
here.
-
Does the Pennsylvania SBDC charge for its services?
The management and technical assistance services are provided at no charge
to the client. Nominal fees are generally charged for training seminars and
special events.
-
Who pays for the SBDC program?
The SBDC is part of a state-wide network of colleges and university centers
which is a joint venture of federal, state, and private sector agencies and
organizations including the US Small Business Administration and the
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. Each agency,
along with the host university, contributes to the financial support of the
program. To learn more about the Pennsylvania SBDC funding partners, see
logos below.
