sbdc

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

An accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.

Mission

The Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has helped businesses in the Southern Alleghenies region start, grow and prosper since 1979. The SBDC is one of 15 Small Business Development Centers in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers. Our team of professional consultants works confidentially with entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties to help their businesses maintain a competitive edge.

The Saint Francis University SBDC is funded by:

Whatever challenge faces your business, a consultant from the SBDC is ready to meet with you individually to help you launch your business, discuss your existing business plan, or help develop the strategies you need to meet your goals.


Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration, and through support from Saint Francis University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling (814) 472-3200. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government. By agreeing to receive assistance from the SBDC you are self-certifying that you are not currently federally debarred or suspended and also agree to cease using SBDC services if you become federally debarred or suspended in the future.


An accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.

 

               

 

Workshops & Webinars

Our Impact

  • We are Here for You

    If you are interested in starting or expanding your business, we are happy to provide confidential and free business services for you. The specific services provided to you by the Center depend largely on your particular needs.

    Client Impact During the Time Period of 10/1/21 to 9/30/22:

    • Clients Served: 352
    • New Businesses Started: 21
    • Jobs Supported: 1,107
    • Capital Formation: $7,100,142

    Success Stories

    Read the full article HERE

     

Our Staff

  • Who We Are

    Jeffrey A. Boldizar

    Director

     

    Jeff has been employed with the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center since May 1985. He provides these services primarily to businesses in Blair, Bedford and Huntingdon Counties.

     

    Jeff served as a Business Analyst at the Center from May 1985 through April 1997. He provided a variety of services to all types of businesses including start-up procedures, business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing/advertising and research.

     

    In April 1997, he became the Center’s Senior Business Consultant. In addition to serving as a Business Analyst, he also oversees the activities of the other consultants and student assistants.

     

    In July 2018, he became the Director of the Center. Jeff is a graduate of Saint Francis University with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Human Resource Management. He is the longest serving full-time employee in the PASBDC system.

     

    Terrence W. Anderson

    Business Consultant

     

    Terry returned to the Saint Francis University SBDC in June 2020 and was previously employed at the Center from 1999-2012 as a business consultant where he worked with over 700 clients assisting them with startup procedures, planning, marketing, and obtaining financing. Currently he works with small businesses on turnaround strategies, marketing, and assisting them with obtaining appropriate funding. Additionally, Terry works with childcare centers under a new program aimed at helping them recover from the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on their industry. Terry is working directly with centers to help them obtain funding dedicated to their industry, providing marketing and turnaround strategy consulting, advising on hiring issues, and advising on other operational issues.

     

    Prior to returning to the SBDC, Terry served the last seven years as the Director of Juniata College’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and taught the Entrepreneurship curriculum for their Accounting, Business, & Economics department. As Director, Terry worked with students from all majors in planning, creating, and starting small businesses and managed the Center’s Seed Capital Fund providing startup funding to student startups.

     

    Most recently, Terry started 5 Strong Apparel, an e-commerce business providing solutions for highly customized and personalized printed apparel and accessories for individuals, schools, businesses, and events.

     

Resources

Consulting Services

  • Helping You Create an Effective Strategy

    Consulting Services

    Our consulting services are offered free of charge and your information is always confidential. We can offer a consultant who is uniquely qualified to help you create an effective strategy. Our consultants have expertise in:

    • Accounting
    • Business Continuity
    • Business Planning
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Environmental Management
    • Financial Analysis
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Market Planning and Research
    • Research
    • Strategic Planning
    • Tools & Checklists
    • Website Marketing & Development

    If you are interested in starting or expanding your business, we are happy to provide confidential and free business services for you. The specific services provided to you by the Center depend largely on your particular needs. Generally, services provided by the SBDC tend to fall under the following categories.

    • Start-up Procedures - The SBDC provides assistance in areas such as business name registration, federal and state tax numbers, local rules and regulations, insurance requirements, business licenses, etc.
    • Financial Proposals - The SBDC assists individuals that are seeking financing to start or expand their business. The Center provides assistance in preparing projected financial statements and other supporting materials necessary when applying for a loan. Small business owner must be able to convince a lender that he or she will be able to repay any financing received.
    • Business Plan Development (PDF format) - The SBDC has developed its own business planning guide. We assist individuals in developing their business plan. We do not do their business plan for them, but rather guide them through the process. It is very important that the entrepreneur does their homework. The more they know about something before they begin, the better their chances of success will be.
    • Accounting and Recordkeeping/Payroll Procedures - The SBDC provides assistance in setting-up record keeping systems for the small business owners. A good record keeping system is vital to the success of a small business. The Center also provides assistance to small businesses that are considering hiring employees. We provide information as to the legal requirements of hiring employees, what taxes and insurance they are liable to pay, when to pay these taxes, where to send the tax payments, etc. It is very important that the small business owner realize what they are required to do when hiring employees.
    • Financing - The SBDC does not lend money to businesses, but the staff is aware of many loan programs that are available to small business owners.  There are a variety of federal, state and local loan programs available to the small business owner. The staff can help in determining which programs a small business owner may be eligible for so they get the best possible rates and terms when financing a project.
    • Cash Flow Development/Analysis
    • Marketing - The Small Business Development Center provides specialized marketing assistance to small and medium sized businesses. Services provided by the SBDC include individual marketing consulting, personalized market and industry research, trade events, resource library, and educational programs.
    • Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) - The Small Business Development Center announces the launch of a new program designed to provide business owners confidential environmental compliance assistance in order to help reduce their regulatory risks and operating costs. The Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is provided at no cost and is completely confidential.

Contact Us

  • How to Reach Us

    The Saint Francis University SBDC is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

     

    Small Business Development Center

    P.O. Box 600

    Loretto, PA  15940

    sbdc@francis.edu 

    814-472-3200