About Us
About the Kutztown University SBDC
Our Mission
The mission of the network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge needed to make smart decisions that will help them prosper.The Mission of the Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University is to grow the economy of South Eastern and South Central Pennsylvania. The Kutztown University SBDC is one of 18 Small Business Development Centers in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.
Our Vision
The Kutztown University SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. SBDC consultants may work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions to help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more. SBDC educational programs serve to inform and assist entrepreneurs with the many decisions a new business owner faces. Program topics range from regulatory compliance issues to marketing tactics and are offered throughout the Kutztown University SBDC service territory with many offerings available online.
Program History
The Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University was begun in 1993. The Kutztown University SBDC provides general business consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business in Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks and Chester Counties. The Kutztown University SBDC also offers specialty consulting in the areas of international marketing and government marketing in Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks and Chester Counties as well as York, Adams, Franklin and Cumberland Counties. From helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, to helping small firms expand, to providing the information every business person needs to make critical decisions, the SBDC is the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help - help that can make the difference between success and failure.
Who We Are
The Small Business Development Center employs a full-time staff of professionals. Our business consultants have impressive credentials from a variety of universities around the country, but they also have practical experience with every stage of business - from pre-venture to multi-billion dollar companies. They bring a wealth of knowledge to our center in diverse industries. Our Consultants deliver a complete Business Assistance Program with specialty areas such as Government Procurement and International Trade.Click here to review the Kutztown University SBDC staff biographies.
What can I expect from my consultant?
At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business 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 both of you will be working on, along with an estimated time frame for completion. While there is no charge for consulting services, the Kutztown SBDC consulting services differ from consulting firms' services because our clients very actively participate in the work. Generally, the Kutztown SBDC clients use consulting services to guide their process and their thinking; the clients do 80% of the work. The clients rely on the SBDC for guidance, ideas and feedback from a neutral source as well as for leading edge ideas and resources as they critique their own businesses.
Funder Recognition
Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; and in part through support from Kutztown University and other sources. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 484-646-4003. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government. By agreeing to receive assistance from the SBDC you are self-certifying that you are not currently federally debarred or suspended and also agree to cease using SBDC services if you become federally debarred or suspended in the future.
Voter Registration Information
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America's SBDC / Pennsylvania SBDC / PREP Central / PREP Southeast / Kutztown University / SEPA APEX / SBA / LBRC / Community First Fund
Cooperative Agreement
The Kutztown SBDC is partially funded by a grant from the Department of Community & Economic Development and by the U.S. Small Business Administration under Cooperative Agreement No. 4-603001-Z-0040-24. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the cosponsor(s)’ or participants’ opinions, findings, conclusions, recommendations, products, or services.
Funding Partners
Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; and in part through support from Kutztown University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 215-204-7282. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government. By agreeing to receive assistance from the SBDC you are self-certifying that you are not currently federally debarred or suspended and also agree to cease using SBDC services if you become federally debarred or suspended in the future.
All SBDC programs are non-discriminatory and open to the public. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested, at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Kutztown SBDC at Old Main - Room 27 - F Wing, 15219 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, (484)-646-5937.
The Kutztown University SBDC is a member of the network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers and the National Association of Small Business Development Centers.