Are you about to start a business? The SBDC can help:

1st: New business start-ups and entrepreneurs without  previous business experience can start working with the Small Business Development Center by attending our "First Step: Business Start-up Essentials" Workshop at no-charge. These 2-3 hour workshops are offered in several locations - our offices at Duquesne University, as well as Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties.

2nd: After attending the First Step: Business Essentials Workshop, take a look at the additional resources our SBDC has made available for start-ups -

• WebNotes
• Small Biz U
• Other Resources
• Events - Workshops and Conferences

3rd: After attending the workshop and reviewing our additional resources, if you still have questions about starting a business, you have the option to complete a "Request for Consulting" form. Once the form is received, you will be contacted by a business consultant within 10 business days to schedule an appointment.

Already have your own business? Find ways to grow it here.

Thinking of being your own boss?

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses...

• Represent over 99% of all employers.
• Employ 52% of the private workers.
• Employ 38% of the private workers in high-tech occupations.
• Represent 96% of all exporters of goods.
• Receive 35% of federal contract dollars.
• Are home-based 53% of the time.

Entrepreneurs often feel overwhelmed about starting a business. They often have questions like:

• Will I be profitable?
• Can I afford to quit my job?
• How do I get a loan?
• Where do I find customers?
• What is a business plan?