Small Business Development Center

Empowering Small Businesses

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center has provided no-cost, confidential consulting services to existing small business owners and aspiring entreprenuers in Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, Schuylkill and Sullivan counties since 1980. We are one of 15 SBDCs that comprise the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Network and we are your go-to resource for all of your small business needs. We are fully accredited by America's SBDC.

Mission

Empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge they need to start, grow and prosper.

Vision

Our work will have a positive, transformational, and lasting impact on aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Start And Grow Your Small Business

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to helping you start and grow your business. We provide training, confidential consulting and market and industry research to help aspiring and existing small businesses make sound decisions for successful operations.

Access Result-Driven Business Knowledge

Through practical experience and continual professional development, our consultants have the knowledge and insight to help resolve your problems and develop and implement your strategies. You will not only receive sound advice from seasoned staff, but if necessary, referral to industry experts or other specialty business consultants.

Meet Your Changing Needs

We also collaborate with local business leaders to constantly evolve our program offerings. We stay abreast of economic trends, market conditions and financial resources to anticipate your changing needs in a dynamic small business economy.

Consultation & Outreach Partners

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center provides no-cost, confidential consulting to small businesses and to individuals who are interested in starting a small business in Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, Schuylkill and Sullivan Counties. Our main office is located at 85 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, but consultants regularly visit our outreach partners in Hazleton external website, Lehighton external website, Bloomsburg external website, Pottsville external website and Sullivan County external website.

Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce external website

238 Market Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-784-2522

The Greater Hazleton Chamber external website

20 West Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
570-455-1509

Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development external website

137 South Street
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-379-5000

Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce external website

Union Station - One Progress Circle, Suite 201
Pottsville, PA 17901
570-622-1942

Get Started

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an existing business owner in Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, Schuylkill or Sullivan counties, the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers no-cost individualized consulting, from start up to established businesses. We offer expertise and keen insights essential to helping you manage your concerns today and design solid, long-range plans to secure your vision for tomorrow.

New Businesses

Existing Businesses

Our Goals

Grow Our Markets

develop pipelines for financial deals, growth clients, and high impact start-ups
nurture businesses within strategically targeted growing and emerging industries

Continuously Improve

advance as a well-managed, functionally integrated, programmatically and administratively compliant statewide organization
increase sources of additional organizational funding
don't stop thinking about tomorrow

Build Economically Vibrant Communities

create meaningful new partnerships with relevant stakeholders and leverage those relationships to provide better client service
assist entrepreneurs in starting and growing businesses

Provide Proven, Trustworthy Advice

expand the delivery and marketing of our consulting and training services, paying attention to people and communities where we can make a positive impact

Events and Training Programs

About Events

The SBDC also offers a comprehensive range of training courses and programs. Our in-person and online courses offer an excellent way to work training into your busy schedule. Our professional development sessions will not only provide you with invaluable knowledge, but by sharing ideas and issues with entrepreneurs with similar experiences, you will also have the opportunity to establish beneficial professional relationships.

View Upcoming Events external website

Training for You

SBDC training programs are designed with you in mind. They are presented by local business leaders from many professional disciplines to help you develop the planning, management and financial skills necessary to make your business thrive. By leveraging the resources of professionals in the community, we are able to offer a wide range of high-quality workshops and courses at no cost, or a nominal fee. Check out our events calendar today!

The First Step

Due to the high demand for our services, new clients are required to take part in The First Step seminar as an entry point for our assistance. Existing business owners should call the SBDC at 570-408-4340 to schedule an individual appointment.

Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and through support from Wilkes University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 570-408-4340. 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 your become federally debarred or suspended in the future.