Provides statewide, no-cost and confidential assistance with environmental regulations. EMAP environmental consultants work with SBDCs through a business-to-business exchange, the Pennsylvania Material Trader, to helps small businesses “Go Green” and become more sustainable.

Additional Resources:

• Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP)
• PennTAP
• Clean Edge
• Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance
• The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

Government marketing services are available to help PA businesses diversify sales streams and procure contracts with the federal, state, local and quasi-government agencies. Business owners can register with government databases, find contracts, and gain feedback on proposals through Pennsylvania SBDC’s online Bid Match service, the Southeast Pennsylvania Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

Additional Resources:

• Commerce Business Daily
• The Pennsylvania Bulletin

PASBDC consultants can help business owners develop and implement exporting strategies for increased sales. Services offered include helping companies assess their international trade readiness, evaluate products or services for export potential, identify market opportunities, identify sales agents and distributors, and review trade procedures and regulations.

Additional Resources

• PASBDC International Resource Guides
• Pennsylvania’s Regional Export Network
• International Trade Association’s Guide to Exporting
• International Trade Administration – Country Commercial Guides
• International Trade Administration – International Trade Finance Guide–
• The U.S. Department of State’s Direct Line Program

Pennsylvania SBDCs assist small businesses looking to determine the viability of technologies, obtain financing, or introduce new technologies to market. SBDC consultants work closely with Innovation Partnership (IPart), a consortium of economic development and business assistance organizations located throughout Pennsylvania whose goal is to help early-stage technology companies secure federal funding opportunities.

Additional Resources:

• Ben Franklin Technology PArtners
• TechCelerator Incubator Program
• Penn State Technology Management Office

In addition to our core consulting services, the Penn State SBDC works with student entrepreneurs interested in turning an idea into a business. The Penn State entrepreneurial ecosystem provides a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Resources:

• Entrepreneurship events:
  • Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week
  • Penn State Startup Week
• Academic Programs:
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor
  • Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) Major
  • Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIENT) Graduate Credit Certificate Program
• Additional Initiatives:
  • Center for Penn State Student Entrepreneurship