UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Wednesday, March 16, the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will celebrate SBDC Day, a nationally recognized commemoration of the America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) impact on the success of our nation's small businesses.
Community members are invited to join the celebration at the Penn State Innovation Hub, where the Penn State SBDC will host an information session from 9 to 10 a.m. alongside ecosystem partners Invent Penn State, Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, Penn State Entrepreneur Assistance Legal Clinic, and Penn State Intellectual Property Legal Clinic. Representatives from each organization will share information about the services they offer area entrepreneurs.
Following the session, guests are invited to a meet-and-greet reception during which attendees can connect with participating organizations and network with area business owners and entrepreneurs. Light refreshments will be provided. Register in advance to attend.
“Since the start of the pandemic, the Penn State SBDC has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to area business owners and proven itself to be an invaluable asset to our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says James Delattre, associate vice president for Research and director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. “By offering innovative consulting approaches and programs, the center has helped area business owners successfully navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.”
Founded in 1997, the Penn State SBDC helps central Pennsylvania entrepreneurs launch and expand businesses by offering individualized consultations, educational workshops, referrals to partner organizations, and resources that help business owners make smart decisions and prosper.
“In 2021, our center served more than 650 clients across Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties,” said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “Our team of five business consultants helped clients start 40 new business, employ more than 2,400 individuals, and raise nearly $21 million in capital. These figures provide only a small glimpse of commitment and perseverance of local business owners.”
And the influence of SBDC centers is widespread across the commonwealth. In 2021, the 16 centers that make up the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (PASBDC) network served a collective 14,713 clients, supported the formation of 689 new businesses, and helped entrepreneurs raise more than $200 million in capital. Through a combined 90,875 consulting hours, PASBDC staff members helped clients start, grow, and mange successful business that employ more than 80,000 individuals across the state, evidence of the state’s diverse small business communities.
Small business owners in Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties seeking free confidential one-on-one consulting and educational seminars may visit the Penn State SBDC website to learn more.