Stories Archive - Penn State Small Business Development Center

View a collection of our clients' success

Creating Space for Healing: The Story of Chance to Change, LLC   

With support from the Penn State SBDC, Tonya Valentine launched Chance to Change, LLC, a private counseling practice dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care while expanding access to education and community partnerships.

With guidance from the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), John Levi Esh, Jr. successfully grew Goot Essa into an award-winning gourmet cheese business, securing resources to expand operations while preserving his family's dairy farming heritage and strengthening PA agriculture.

Learn how the Penn State (SBDC) helped Tanya Campbell launch The Whiskey Barber Salon by providing guidance on business planning, financial projections, and funding strategy—enabling her to turn years of industry experience into a high-end grooming destination in downtown State College.

Learn how the Penn State (SBDC) helped Lauren Zajac launch Balance & Blossom Wellness, PLLC by providing guidance on target market development, marketing strategy, and startup planning—empowering her to turn her personal health journey into a growing, community-focused women’s wellness practice.

Learn how the Penn State (SBDC) helped John Charles Thompson (Chuck) launch Chuck Consulting, LLC by providing guidance on business formation, financial planning, and marketing strategy—allowing him to turn decades of engineering experience into a successful civil engineering consulting business.

Learn how the Penn State SBDC helped Bethany Stough launch Synergy Integrative Wellness by providing strategic guidance, accountability, and business planning—transforming her vision for integrative, whole-person care into a successful practice serving clients locally and statewide.

With guidance from the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Kate and Vinnie Kishbaugh successfully relocated and expanded Good Neighbor Craft House, securing financing to purchase their own building and position the business for long-term growth in their community.

With guidance from the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), artist Kari Roslund launched Kari Roslund Studio & Gallery in rural Huntingdon County, turning a creative vision into a community-centered fiber art space that supports regional artists and cultural tourism.

With guidance from the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Pat Snyder transformed his career from boilermaker to business owner, growing CCSI, Inc. into a thriving company with a skilled team and a rare industry certification.

With support from the Penn State SBDC, Patricia Syverson launched PES Artistry on Henry Run LLC, transforming her passion for abstract fluid art into a growing business showcased at regional festivals.