Have you dreamed of being your own boss for many years, but don't know where to start? Do you ask questions like “How do I turn my good idea into a successful business?” “What kind of forms and licenses do I need?” “Where can I find financing?” “Where is the best place to open my business?” “What is a business plan and how do I prepare one?”

Turn Your Dream Into a Successful Business

For over twenty years, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) have provided consulting and training throughout the Commonwealth designed to teach prospective and new entrepreneurs the basics of starting and successfully operating their own businesses. With the help of the Pennsylvania SBDCs your dream can become a reality.

SBDC Clients Succeed

The best way to prevent business failure is to plan your business properly from the start. The SBDCs have the knowledge and experience you need to make your dream work. In 2006, 2,994 new businesses were started in Pennsylvania with assistance from the SBDCs. Studies have shown that 80% of SBDC assisted firms are still in business 8 years after their start-up date. Businesses started with SBDC assistance survive longer and grow faster than the average firm.

The First Step

All of the Pennsylvania SBDCs offer First Step workshops to help entrepreneurs start their own business. These workshops assist entrepreneurs in starting down the path to successful business ownership – evaluating business ideas, developing a business plan, and exploring financing options.

The first step to starting a successful new venture is to attend an SBDC First Step workshop where you will learn:

What unique lifestyle requirements are involved in owning a business
How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
Differences between business organization structures
How to develop a business plan
How to obtain financing
How to market your product or service
The applications and licenses needed to start your company
How to conduct research on your industry, market and competition
Regulations governing a business
Environmental regulation compliance
Other resources that you can use to help you plan and succeed

Starting a business workshops are offered at low or no cost on a regular basis across the state - check the calendar for a workshop near you or try the Online Tutorial for Starting a Business to get started now.

The Next Step

The next step to growing your new business is to take advantage of the SBDCs’ one-on-one consulting and information services. After completing a First Step workshop, you will be able to meet confidentially with an SBDC consultant at no cost. Your consultant can help you with all of the issues you learned about in your start-up workshop, tailoring their advice to your business idea and needs in mind.

Find Your Local SBDC

Ready to begin the process of starting your own business? Find the Small Business Development Center nearest to you.