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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
U.S. Small Business Administration logo
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America' SBDC Logo

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 on a non-discriminatory basis to all legal residents and citizens of the US. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

 © 2025 Gannon University Small Business Development Center. All Rights Reserved.

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