The mission of the network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is to grow the economy of the Commonwealth by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.
The SBDC provides confidential business consulting, training, and education to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business supported by, strategic relationships and specialized programs through a team of experienced professional consultants dedicated and motivated to strengthen, enhance, and empower the small business community. The SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one sessions to help them with a range of business issues including, but not limited to: testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan and investigating funding opportunities.
The SBDC also offers services to small business owners through a number of specialized programs. These programs provide assistance in areas requiring greater depth of knowledge and experience beyond standard business management expertise such as Environmental Management, Government Marketing, Technology Commercialization and International Business Assistance Programs.
Greater Hazleton is served by the Wilkes University SBDC with an outreach office at the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.