WE BUILD COMMUNITIES

America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.

See how the Pennsylvania SBDC has served its communities.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Sweet Shop

Consultant Ray Haden worked with Amy Markee and Melanie Faus to help them develop a business plan and financial projections to secure a $25,000 loan from Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development to open their business in Eagles Mere. They were able to open their business in June of 2020 just in time for the summer tourist season.

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

Silvia's Bakery: SBA Eastern Pennsylvania's 2020 Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Winner

In 2019, Silvia became a part of the first cohort of Ella Emprende (She Un-dertakes), hosted in partnership with Widener University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Finanta, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through Widener SBDC's bilingual consultants, Silvia was able to receive quality business services in Spanish that enabled her to strengthen, innovate, manage, and expand her business.

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

Competition Winners Bring Oxygen to East Africa

After developing an interest in improving global health, Founder James Newton came to the realization that supplemental oxygen is not easily accessible in various parts of the world. James was determined to find a solution and execute his vision of providing essential healthcare to developing nations. James's idea, the O2 Cube, is portable yet durable and has the ability to regenerate oxygen. With the help of SBDC, Lean Med was able to develop a business plan and seek funding opportunities.

EXPORT

I'm thankful for SBA's emergency capital programs for keeping our employees on payroll. It's an honor to be recognized as SBA's Eastern PA Exporter of the Year. I thank Martin Brill at Kutztown SBDC for nominating us & SBA for selecting our company.

Saskia Foley, CEO and President of RADIUS Corporation.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

Marcia at PASBDC was a HUGE help in building out my business model. Because of her wisdom and commitment to me and my vision my business has exceeded our first month's projections and have realistic expectations that are gauging our growth!

Jacob Luhrs Head of Heart Support

heartsupport.com

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Rosenberg 2019 BizPitch Winner Designs Product to Help Visually Impaired 'Simply See'

Rosenberg grew up with a severe vision impairment. BizPitch is the student startup competition the Bucknel SBDC leads; Rebokeh is a member of StartupLewisburg, one of the incubators the SBDC directs for Bucknell. 

Read the full story

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Thanks to the Scranton SBDC, I was able to get PPP funds to be able to bring my staff back in time for our busy season for the market.

Carole Turcotte, Owner of Hanna's Farm Market

VETERANS

G.S. Woods — Helping Individuals Plan for Tomorrow

Veteran, Graeme Woods sought out assistance at the SBDC in developing plans for growing his businesses as well as strategic marketing. The SBDC aided him with industry research and provided recommendations about social media marketing. The SBDC has helped G.S. Woods Financial Solutions grow to new heights. With a revolutionized marketing strategy, Graeme has been able to reach more customers and provide them with high-quality financial planning assistance that they want, need, and deserve.

WOMEN- OWNED

Vibrant Styles — A judgement-free hair salon that is welcoming to all!

Mallory Matson decided to turn her vision into reality and came to the Duquesne University SBDC for assistance with business planning and opening. Thanks to her hard work & help from her business consultant, she recently celebrated her Grand Opening.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Polish Pierogies Continues Success in Pittsburgh

Polish-born Julia Papinczak Balik had ties to the Pittsburgh community as her father worked tirelessly at Pressed Steel Car Co. from 1910 to 1922. Helen emigrated from Poland in 1974. Helen reconnected with the SBDC after many years. With the help of a current business consultant, she learned about the benefits of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and immediately applied. She received $121,633.00.

Network Contact:
Ernie Post
484-646-4264
post@kutztown.edu