Wilkes University Small Business Development Center Sets Record For Assisting Businesses in 2018

SBDC Garners Highest Amount of Financing For Clients in Center's History

by Vicki Mayk

Wilkes-Barre, PA (12/21/2018) — Wilkes University's Small Business Development Center has set a record for the amount of financing that it secured for clients in 2018. More than $17,456,000 was secured by the SBDC to help clients to start or expand their businesses. It is the highest amount achieved by the center since its formation in 1980. The center also was instrumental in helping more than 30 businesses to start since January 2018. All consulting services available through the center are provided at no cost to businesses.

Dorothy Lane, director of the SBDC, said the amount of financing and the number of new businesses surpassed goals set for the center by the U.S. Small Business Administration. "These figures underscore our commitment to helping small businesses in our region start, grow and prosper," Lane said.

During the calendar year that is ending, the center also provided 3,300 hours of no-cost consulting to businesses. It held 29 training sessions in the five counties it serves that were attended by 280 people.

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center serves clients in five counties: Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne, Schuylkill and Sullivan. Founded in 1980, it was one of the state's original seven SBDCs. It is funded by grants from the U.S Small Business Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and support from its host institution - Wilkes University. The Wilkes University SBDC provides education and no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Its one-on-one management consulting emphasizes education and guidance in finding practical solutions to business problems. Consulting is confidential and provided by a staff of skilled professionals.