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Come On In We're Open

Starting a Business in Pennsylvania

The Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides no-cost, confidential consulting and training to help you start, manage, and grow your business.

📋 Is Entrepreneurship for You? 

 Assess your skills, goals, and readiness to run a business.

🔍 Market Research 

Identify your customers, competitors, and market trends.

📊 Business Viability Assessment

Measure your idea’s potential for success.

📝 Business Plan Development

 Create a clear roadmap for launching and growing.

Brainstorming
Trading Floor

⚖️ Business Types & Legal Formation

Choose the right structure for your business.

💵 Financial Projections

Plan for profitability and sustainability.

📍 Selecting Your Business Location

Find the best place to operate.

🗂 Business Registration Requirements

Understand and meet all guidelines.

Licenses & Permits

 Know what’s required before you open.

📈 Business Management 

 Learn the skills to operate effectively.

💰 Finding Funding

  Explore financing options.

Working Together

Why Work With Us?

Local expertise and one-on-one support

Customized guidance for your specific needs

Resources to move you from idea to launch

Download Our Business Plan Template

Note: This basic business plan outline is to help you get started. It is not intended to serve as a comprehensive plan.

If you are interested in developing a more detailed plan— strategic or succession planning or digital marketing strategy components—please discuss this with your consultant.

Contract Review
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Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Service Center host institutions, and by other sources of state and federal funding. Full disclosures available at pasbdc.org/funding-sources/. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

 © 2025 Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers. All Rights Reserved.

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