Providing confidential small business consulting at no cost and quality training programs in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming 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 University of Scranton SBDC is the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help – help that can make the difference between success and failure.

With a service area that includes Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne & Wyoming counties, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides educational programs and no-cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business.

Located at 600 Linden Street in downtown Scranton, the SBDC is in close proximity to downtown businesses and easily accessible to clients. Thanks to other economic development agencies that serve as outreach partners, the Scranton SBDC also has access to convenient meeting locations throughout its 8-county service area.

The University of Scranton has hosted the SBDC since 1980, providing outstanding resources, support, and funding. The SBDC is housed in the University’s nationally-recognized Kania School of Management. Funding support and resources are also provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) and through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The University of Scranton SBDC is nationally accredited by America’s SBDC. Not in our service area? Find an SBDC near you!

Learn more about the staff of The University of Scranton SBDC.


Types of Assistance

Pennsylvania SBDC services cover a range of topics relevant to aspiring entrepreneurs small business owners:

Have an idea?

Guidance to Start-up/Pre Start-up

The SBDC can offer guidance and support in these areas:

  • Education and Guidance about Starting a Business
  • Feasibility/Idea Development
  • Steps to Get to Business Ownership
  • Identifying & Navigating Licensing & Regulations
  • Business Planning
  • Identifying and Obtaining Financing
  • Gathering Research
  • Market Analysis and Marketing Plan Development
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Grand Openings and Planning

Click here for more information or to Request SBDC Consulting for your start-up, for-profit small business.

Have a Business?

Guidance to Established Businesses

The SBDC can offer guidance

and support in these areas:

  • Business Expansion and Planning
  • Addressing Challenges, Business Improvement Strategies
  • Business Plan
  • Financing Options, Ideas, Preparation
  • Marketing & Identifying New Markets
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Financial Management/ Recordkeeping
  • HR/Managing Employees
  • Hosting Valuable Internships
  • Business Continuity Planning
  • Search Engine Optimization, Cybersecurity
  • Re-Openings, Open House, Event Planning
  • Environmental Assistance through EMAP

Click here for more information or to Request SBDC Consulting for your existing, for-profit small business.

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 The University of Scranton and other sources. All services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 570-941-7588 at least two weeks in advance. 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.