Needs Assessment Survey

The Kutztown University SBDC is requesting that you please take about 10 minutes of your time to complete this easy click through survey.
 
The results of this survey will be used to make decisions about which SBDC services to cut or which to enhance, hence it is important that we hear from you so that we can continue to deliver the free confidential consulting services that are most important to you.

Sincerely,
Ernie Post
Director, Kutztown University SBDC

Click here to enter the survey: Needs Assessment Survey

A special event:

Senator Mike O'Pake's Small Business Development and Financing Conference

Already own a small business but need help with financing?
Wondering what grant opportunities are out there?

Ever wanted to start your own business?

The conference keynote speaker will be George Cornelius, Secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development.  After opening remarks, the conference will break into "side session seminars" to provide guidance on particular areas of interest.

6:30 p.m. -- Welcome

6:35 p.m. -- Opening Remarks, Senator O'Pake

6:45 p.m. -- Remarks, George Cornelius, Secretary, DCED

7:05 - 9 p.m. Side Session Seminars:

• Technical Resources - Government Procurement, International Trade, SBDC general business consulting and Manufacturer's Resource Center representatives will discuss their free resources
• Conventional Financing - area banks will discuss financing options
• Alternative Financing - State and local Economic Development groups will discuss financing options

Where: Kutztown University Student Union, Multipurpose Room
When: March 24 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $0

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. To participate or attend, please call (610) 929-2151 or go online at www.senator-opake.com

A new training opportunity:

Website Optimization Webinar - WOW!

This 90-minute Webinar is designed for businesses whose Website is in need of a tweak, redesign, or online marketing plan. It's goal is to give participants a foundational understanding of the basic concepts, terminology and functionality of traditional online marketing elements.

After the Webinar, each participant will receive a report which will provide results from the analysis of their Website's structural design. The report will highlight areas where the Website could be edited to better meet the technical criteria of the traditional search engines.  The report is intended to assist the business owner in the development of an action plan for the Website, with changes being made through your company's internal staff or through an outsourced Web developer.
 
Upon completion of the Webinar, each participant will receive their customized WOW report within 14 days via email, along with one hour of free consultation to review the report findings with an SBDC consultant.

Where: Simultaneous Web conference with telephone
When: April 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $195

To register, click here.

The First Step: How to Start and Operate a Small Business

If you are in the early stages of thinking about starting a small business, this workshop is for you. In fact, even if you have started your business and are realizing that you missed a few things, this workshop is still right for you.

This workshop will provide an overview of the things you need to know and the skills you need to have to manage a small business. Subjects include: legal and accounting issues, organization, and management. The workshop offers you the opportunity to practice networking with other entrepreneurs. Existing business owners can use this workshop as a "checkup" on their operations. This workshop is presented in partnership with the Small Business Assistance Center.

Where: Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA

When: March 9, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. or April 6, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15.00

To register, click here.

Business Planning (Part III) - Financial Management: Projections and Statements

This is the third workshop of the Business Planning Workshop Series that began on February 18. Registration is available for each workshop or for the entire series.

Where: Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA

When: March 11 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20.00 per workshop

Click here to register and for information on this workshop.

Doing Business with the Commonwealth

This workshop takes business owners through the basics of starting to do business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Topics covered include:

Finding opportunities with the State

State contracting procedures

State resources for small businesses, and

Certification for minority-owned and women-owned businesses

It is presented by Curtis Burwell, Pennsylvania Department of General Services. It is co-sponsored by the Department of General Services.
 

Where: Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 3211 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA
When: March 15 from 9 - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $0

To register, click here.

The First Step Webinar for Start-Up Businesses

This 2 hour Webinar (live, interactive, online workshop) provides an overview of SBDC client services, learning resources, and introduces topics relevant to all small businesses during their start-up phase.

The Webinar will also introduce and discuss a business concept outline. A business concept outline summarizes a business concept onto ten PowerPoint slides that communicate the essential information needed to assess the business concept.

Where: Simultaneous Web conference with telephone
When: March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $0

To register, click here.

Business Planning (Part IV) - Financing the Business and Feasibility Decision

This is the fourth workshop of the Business Planning Workshop Series that began on February 18. Registration is available for each workshop or for the entire series.

Where: Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA

When: March 30 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20.00 per workshop

Click here to register and for information on this workshop.

Certification Made Simple

This workshop is offered monthly. It guides participants through the application process for state certification as either a Minority or Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE). It is presented by Curtis Burwell of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities (BMWBO).

Where: Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 3211 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
When: April 6 from 9:00 a.m. - noon
Cost: $0

To register, click here.

How to Obtain Federal SBA 8(a)/Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) or HUBZone Certification

Are you a small business and want to understand the Federal 8(a)/SDB or HUBZone certification process? Take this opportunity to learn how to obtain your certification. You will have the opportunity to:
 

• Understand eligibility requirements.
• Learn how your federal 8A/SDB or Hubzone certification can help to grow your business.
• Ask questions and learn how to use your certification to gain government prime or subcontracts.
• Learn how to submit your application and get through the process.
• Get tips on how to market your business to federal contractors.

Presented by George Murray, U.S. Small Business Administration
Co-sponsor: U.S. SBA
 
Where: Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 3211 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA
When: April 12 from 9 - 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $0

To register, click here.

Business Planning: A Series of 4 Workshops

The Business Planning Workshop Series contains the following four workshops:

April 22 - Business Plan for Success
April 29 - Marketing your Product, Service, and Company
May 6 - Financial Management
May 13 - Financing the Business and Feasibility Decisions

Where: Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA
When: April 22, 29 and May 6, 13
Cost: $60 for the series, or $20 for each individual workshop

For more information on the entire series, or to register, click here.

Business Planning (Part I)-  Business Plan for Success

This is the first workshop of the Business Planning Workshop Series. This session for the 4-part series runs from April 22 through May 13. Registration is available for each workshop or for the entire series.

Where: Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA

When: April 22 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20.00 per workshop

Click here to register and for information on this workshop.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read our newsletter. We appreciate your participation in the KU SBDC community.

Sincerely,

Ernie Post, Director
Kutztown University Small Business Development Center