Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and administered locally by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Invent Penn State. The one-day course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.

Veterans of all eras, active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate.

During the event, participants will learn about:

Business fundamentals and concepts
Resources available to support with capital needs, technical assistance, contracting opportunities and more!
Whether you’re just starting to consider entrepreneurship or looking to refine existing business ideas, this course will provide the foundational tools and support veterans need to succeed.

This event is happening during National Veterans Small Business Week and Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week. Click the links for their schedules and other events.

Virtual attendance is available. Please register to receive Zoom log-in information.

Registration is required for this event.

Penn State Small Business Development Center, in partnership with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, is excited to host a special Global Entrepreneurship Week PM Exchange. Join us on November 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at  New Trail Brewing Company, located in Williamsport, PA.

This PM Exchange offers a fantastic opportunity for local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with one another and with economic partners who can provide valuable resources and support. Enjoy New Trail’s signature beers and a selection of light appetizers as you build relationships in the tasting room.

Come ready to network, share ideas, and discover how our partners can help you achieve your business goals. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your entrepreneurial community!

This event is open to Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce members and non-chamber members.

Registration is required for this event. You can register  HERE.

This event is presented by  Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and the  Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

In this workshop, we will guide you through the steps of business valuations and the process and options to sell a business. Hopefully by the end of the workshop, you will gain more insight into the following questions – What is my business worth? How do I prepare my business to be sold?  How do I go about selling my business?

A light breakfast and coffee will be provided.

Registration is required for this event.

This event is presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC), Downtown State College Improvement District (DID), Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

The Penn State Small Business Development Center, in partnership with MCS Bank, is pleased to host the ‘Protect Your Business: Fraud Mitigation and Credit Management’ seminar during Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week.

In this informative session, we will explore crucial strategies for fraud mitigation tailored specifically for small businesses. Participants will learn to identify common schemes, implement effective prevention measures, and develop a response plan in the event of a fraudulent activity.

Additionally, we will delve into the mechanics of credit scores—what they are, how they are calculated, and their significance in the business landscape. Understanding credit scores is essential for small businesses seeking financing, negotiating favorable terms, and building trust with vendors and clients. We will discuss practical tips for maintaining a strong credit profile and the long-term benefits of good credit management.

This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to gain crucial insights into fraud mitigation and credit management.

Peter Ort, SVP/Chief Operating Officer at MCS Bank in Milroy, PA will be the featured speaker. Mark your calendars for this event on November 22, 2024, and join us at MCS Bank from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm or virtually via Zoom.

Topics covered include:

• Business structures
• How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
• Legal and tax implications of owning a business
• How to develop a business plan
• Funding options and how to compile a bank-ready financial package
• How to market your product or service
• Health and safety regulations that may apply to your business
• Where to find other resources that may help you succeed

This event is presented by the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC).