Pennsylvania's State System Universities contribute to economic development by supporting small business development and promoting business start-ups. Several universities operate Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Entrepreneurial Leadership Centers and business incubators to jump start the entrepreneurial spirit.
Small Business Development Centers
The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) work with entrepreneurs
and small firms to help them compete and grow in today’s highly competitive global
economy. The SBDCs help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, help small
firms expand, and provide information to business persons for making critical decisions.
The 16 SBDCs are funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the private sector, and the host colleges and universities.
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 System's SBDCs are the resource that industry sectors can turn to for
help and that can make the difference between success and failure. Combining the
expertise of a professional staff and the resources of the state's universities, the
SBDCs provide high quality one-on-one business management consulting, information,
and education programs that build small firms' capacity to compete effectively in
domestic and international markets.
Many System universities promote student entrepreneurship through curricular and co-curricular activities, such as entrepreneurship minors, class projects, student business plan competitions, speakers, workshops, clubs and technical assistance and space for students who start-up a business.