LEWISBURG, Pa. — Small businesses are a big part of our economy. One organization that helps grow many small businesses in central Pennsylvania is the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SPDC).
Since it was formed in 1979, the SBDC has helped more than 8,000 businesses.
"In the last year, we helped 40 new businesses to start, which is a record," said Steven Stumbris, Bucknell University SBDC director.
The Bucknell University SBDC was recently recognized by the United States Small Business Administration.
"The services that the Bucknell University SBDC is providing are fantastic and they're helping businesses to start, grow, and succeed," said Michael Kane, United States Small Business Administration.
The center was presented with the 2024 Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award.
"This award signifies that we're a resource for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and small business owners know to come to us for trusted advice. Today, we share our celebration with them," Stumbris said.
More than a dozen small business owners were at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg for the award presentation.
Jennifer Mapes and Ayana Ife say the SBDC was important in building their businesses.
"Really a blessing to our community and to our local economy and local businesses. We are very blessed to have the small business development center," said Jennifer Mapes from Mapes Farm Fresh.
"It's really been instrumental for the brand because my background is in fashions and styling and technical design, whereas the SBDC brought in some help with business savvy and positioning," said Ayana Ife of Ayana Active.
The SBDC has two business incubators in central Pennsylvania with plans to open a third later this year.