The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center

06/05/2026

This week, The University of Scranton SBDC and IDEA Center welcomed makers and manufacturers for an Engage! Roundtable discussion along with our partners from the The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Participants got to explore the IDEA Center and share valuable insights on innovation, workforce development, business growth, and the challenges and opportunities facing this important sector. The conversation also highlighted opportunities for collaboration and ways that universities, community partners, and businesses can work together to support regional economic growth.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed their perspectives. We appreciate your willingness to share ideas and help shape future resources and partnerships for our region.

Engage! is a statewide business retention and expansion program funded by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that is designed to regularly and proactively interact with business owners.

06/04/2026

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is proud to celebrate Business Consultants Leigh Fennie and Patrick Keehan on receiving the PASBDC Game Changer Award at the PASBDC Growth Summit! 🎉

The award recognizes individuals whose work fosters innovative processes, develops impactful new programs, and strengthens communication and engagement within their center and communities. Leigh and Patrick were recognized for their leadership in the development and ex*****on of the FoodCelerator program — an initiative designed to support and accelerate food-based entrepreneurs throughout our region.

Building on a multi-partner collaboration with Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Patrick and Leigh played a central role in translating the vision for FoodCelerator into a high impact, operational program.

“As this was the first time the FoodCelerator program was implemented, Leigh and Patrick were instrumental in building a strong foundation for its success,” said Mary McDermott, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce IGNITE Program Manager. “Their thoughtful approach and ability to adapt ensured that food entrepreneurs were met exactly where they were, with tools and guidance tailored to each individual business rather than a one-size-fits-all model. They spoke highly of the curriculum and the practical resources added to their toolkits.
Leigh and Patrick educated with confidence, shared best practices, and empowered entrepreneurs to move forward with clarity and purpose. Our partnership with the SBDC through this program has made a meaningful impact on our local food business community.”

Through hands-on mentorship, practical resources, and collaborative support, Leigh and Patrick helped entrepreneurs build confidence, strengthen their businesses, and create meaningful impact within the local food community.

Congratulations to Leigh and Patrick on this well-deserved recognition!

06/01/2026

Work with an expert business consultant! We offer one-on-one, no-cost business consulting. Request consulting at pasbdc.org/scranton

05/29/2026

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center team recently attended the PASBDC Growth Summit, where our team had the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and connect with colleagues from across Pennsylvania.

The summit provided a great opportunity for our team to exchange ideas, discover new resources, and bring back fresh perspectives that can help strengthen the support and guidance we provide to the small business community.

05/27/2026

Pennsylvania farmers, food producers, farmers market vendors, retail food business owners, and restaurant owners -- join us TOMORROW, May 28 for a live webinar to learn how the Pennsylvania SBDC Ag Center of Excellence and the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provide practical, no-cost business support tailored specifically to farmers and food producers.

Details and registration information are below.

Are you a Pennsylvania farmer, food producer, farmers market vendor, own a retail food business, or own a restaurant?

Join us for a live webinar to learn how the Pennsylvania SBDC Ag Center of Excellence and the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provide practical, no-cost business support tailored specifically to farmers and food producers.

In partnership with Penn State Extension, these programs help agricultural businesses:
✅ Strengthen profitability
✅ Navigate regulations
✅ Plan for growth
✅ Access funding opportunities
✅ Make informed business decisions

Learn more about AgWorks and register today!
https://extension.psu.edu/agworks-pennsylvania-small-business-development-centers

05/26/2026

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently celebrated the completion of the inaugural cohort of its Small Business Ready program, the first in a series of trainings that will continue through 2027.

Held in the University’s Weiss Hall, the program prepared students for real-world small business internships through interactive case studies, professional development, and practical business education. Funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative, the program was developed by the SBDC in collaboration with small business owners and career development staff.

The networking reception provided students with an opportunity to connect with local small business owners while celebrating the successful completion of the program.

The Small Business Ready program expands on the SBDC’s Small Business Internship Initiative, which connects students with local businesses for meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Pictured: Students who completed the inaugural Small Business Ready program receive certificates during the networking reception. L to R: Kylie Matulich, Lisa Hall-Zielinski, SBDC Director and Damien Bryla.

05/22/2026

A big thank you to our Spring 2026 interns for all of their hard work and contributions this semester. We appreciate the time, energy, and fresh perspectives they brought to our team, and we wish them continued success in all that’s ahead!