The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) received the 2024 Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award was presented during the National Small Business Week Celebration at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg. The SBDC, under the leadership of Director Steven Stumbris, provides support and resources to entrepreneurs in central Pennsylvania, specifically in Union, Northumberland, Juniata, Montour, Perry, and Snyder counties. In the fiscal year 2023, the center helped rural clients secure over $10 million in capital and assisted over 600 individuals in launching more than 40 new businesses. Since its establishment, the SBDC has served over 8,000 entrepreneurs and offers digital services to help rural businesses adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic economy. Additionally, the SBDC manages two community-based business incubators, Startup Lewisburg and Startup Danville, and plans to introduce a third incubator called Startup Milton later this year [7d99d37c].
National Small Business Week celebrates the growth and success of small businesses across the country. The event recognizes the vital role that small businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center exemplifies excellence and innovation in supporting entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. The center's efforts in providing resources, access to capital, and digital services to rural businesses contribute to the overall success of small businesses in central Pennsylvania [7d99d37c].
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are a nationwide network of centers that provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. They offer a variety of services, including business consulting, training programs, and access to capital. SBDCs are funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and operate in partnership with state and local governments, universities, and other organizations. The recognition of the Bucknell University SBDC by the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights the importance of these centers in supporting small businesses and promoting economic development [7d99d37c].