In the mid-1990s, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) had a tiny office in Centre County staffed by a single full-time employee. As demand grew, so did the SBDC. The Penn State office now has an eight-person staff that serves more than 500 clients annually.

“We provide our counseling in both Centre and Mifflin counties and have two offices to engage both the resident community and student entrepreneurs. Our base office in Innovation Park allows access to the University’s extensive innovation centers with whom we network and collaborate, and is adjacent to key incubators, faculty and technology experts. Innovation Park is easily reached by clients from Centre and Mifflin counties, both served by our Center,” said Kimberlee MacMullan, Director of the SBDC.

For businesses in and around State College and for Penn State entrepreneurs, the SBDC offers resources tailored for startups and existing businesses.

“The SBDC offers services that cover three key areas for a business that support its entire life cycle: inception (start-up), growth, and sustainability. A start-up might need to plan, fund and launch their idea or interest into a profitable business, while existing businesses seek funding, financial or market analysis or guidance to evaluate long-term opportunities,” said MacMullan. “Most importantly, the SBDC is a resource for potential and current entrepreneurs to obtain education, direction and expertise to make better decisions affecting their business plans.”

Whatever businesses need, the SBDC is a place to generate ideas and consult with experts. “Our mission is to provide information, education and resources to help them grow their business and create economic impact through increased sales, tax revenue and employment,” says former interim director Michael Ryan.

Entrepreneurs are matched with the resource partner best suited for their needs. The center prioritizes getting clients to the people that can help them the most. If an SBDC business consultant thinks a client would be better suited to speak with someone at Ben Franklin, for instance, they can walk the client right down the hall.

“The Pennsylvania SBDC network shares the same mission across 18 regional centers: that we empower entrepreneurs in any stage of business development with the knowledge they need to start a business, grow it to its potential and prosper. Our commitment lies in an on-going relationship with our clients, many of whom seek out the Center long after their grand opening,” said MacMullan. “Our relationship with and proximity to Penn State ensures that our consultants are current on financial modeling, technology, state and regional development initiatives and legislation, all of which is transferred to the client based on the needs of their venture.”