Gannon University Small Business Development Center

10/14/2026

Ready to build on your success?

Gannon University SBDC can help you strengthen your strategy, explore new opportunities, better understand your market, and plan for long-term growth.

Prospering isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about building a stronger, more sustainable business for the future.

Prosper with Gannon SBDC.
Learn more at sbdcgannon.org

10/12/2026

💡Happy Monday!

You don’t have to figure out everything today. Sometimes the best way to make progress is to focus on just one small step that moves your business forward. 💚

Maybe that means following up with a customer, updating your website, reviewing your goals, or finally starting that task you’ve been putting off.

One step is still progress. Keep moving forward. 🚀

Learn more about how we support small businesses and entrepreneurs:
👉www.sbdcgannon.org

10/09/2026

Take the 5-second business test.

When someone visits your website or social media page, can they quickly understand:

✅ What you offer
✅ Who you help
✅ Where you are located or your service area
✅ How to contact you
✅ What they should do next

If customers have to search too hard for this information, they may leave before reaching out.

Try looking at your business page from a first-time customer's point of view. Is your message clear?

10/07/2026

This is exciting!

🤖 Big news for small businesses!

America’s SBDC has announced a new partnership with OpenAI to expand access to practical AI training for entrepreneurs across the country.

Through this new pilot program, SBDC advisors will receive training through OpenAI Academy and bring hands-on AI workshops directly to small business owners. The goal is to help entrepreneurs learn practical ways to use AI to:

✨ Streamline day-to-day operations
✨ Improve customer service
✨ Support better decision-making
✨ Save time and work more efficiently

The initiative is expected to reach more than 1,000 small businesses during its initial rollout, with additional resources and industry-specific tools planned as the partnership grows.

We’re excited to see how this collaboration will help small businesses confidently explore and use AI in ways that make sense for their business.

Stay tuned for more information as the program rolls out!

10/07/2026

Ready to grow your business?

Gannon University Small Business Development Center can help you strengthen your marketing, improve your digital presence, better understand your cash flow, and build more efficient operations.

Growth looks different for every business. Whether you’re trying to reach more customers, improve profitability, or prepare for your next stage, our team is here to help.

Grow with Gannon SBDC.
Learn more at sbdcgannon.org

10/06/2026

🤖Tech Tuesday: Use AI to Save Time

AI can be a helpful tool for small business owners when it comes to brainstorming captions, drafting emails, creating FAQs, and coming up with content ideas. 💡

Using AI can save time and help you get started faster — but it’s still important to review the final result to make sure it fits your voice, goals, and audience.

Smart tools can save time, but your judgment still matters. 💻

Learn more about how we support small businesses and entrepreneurs:
👉www.sbdcgannon.org

10/06/2026

9 days to go until Founder Story Night 🐾

This isn't your typical networking event. There's no pitching, no pressure, and no need to have it all figured out.

Just local founders sharing the real stories behind their businesses: the wins, the setbacks, and what they learned along the way. Whether you're just starting out or you've been at it for years, there's a seat at the table for you.

📅 Wed, Oct 14 · 5–7 PM
📍 Underdog BBQ, 2714 W 8th St, Erie
🎟️ RSVP: underdogsmallbusinessfund.com

Know someone who's building something? Tag them below 👇

10/05/2026

Check out the latest edition of our Newsletter: https://conta.cc/4rHteoQ Don't forget to subscribe while you're there!

10/02/2026

🎨 Are you a Pennsylvania creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business?

Applications are OPEN for the 2026–2027 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grant!

💰 Growth Grant: Up to $4,000
💰 Impact Grant: Up to $17,000
🤝 Connect with fellow creative entrepreneurs
📚 Access trainings and resources through the Keystone Creatives platform
💡 Impact Grant recipients also receive one-on-one business coaching.

📅 Applications close December 31, 2026. Funding is limited and competitive.

Need help preparing for the application? The Gannon University SBDC Team is here to assist! We can help you work through your business planning and prepare your business for the application process.

👉 Learn more and apply: keystonecreatives.org

10/01/2026

📋Before You Spend on a New Business, Start With These 5 Questions

-Who is the customer?
-What problem are you solving?
-How will you price it?
-What will it cost to operate?
-What evidence tells you people will buy?

If any of these answers feels unclear, that is a good sign to pause and spend time on market research and business planning first. A strong idea needs a strong foundation. 💡
Need help working through the questions? Request consulting with the Gannon SBDC:
👉www.sbdcgannon.org