About the SBDC
The Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is an integral part of the community outreach provided by the university. The SBDC and the Center for Global Competitiveness (CGC) work with the business and economic development communities in the Southern Alleghenies region of Pennsylvania. Working in the counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset, the Center has worked with many businesses that have positively impacted the region's economy since it began in 1979. It is part of the Pennsylvania Association of SBDCs and the national Association of Small Business Development Centers. This allows the Center to use the resources associated with the national network besides the expertise of the SBDC staff and Saint Francis University.
The SBDC provides assistance to both existing small business owners and those thinking about starting business. Assistance comes in two general areas. First is the free and confidential consulting provided to entrepreneurs. Assistance is provided in many areas including business plan development, start-up procedures, financing proposals and market analysis. Services are available at our Saint Francis University offices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and at outreach locations in the six counties on a regularly scheduled basis.
Secondarily, the SBDC presents a variety of seminars and workshops geared to the small business community. The calendar of events section of our web site outlines a number of events scheduled by both the SBDC and CGC and other organizations throughout the region. Nominal fees are charged for a number of the seminars.
The resources of the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center are available to everyone in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset Counties. Please feel free to contact us by E-mail, telephone or regular mail.