It’s a fresh start! As we leave 2023 behind and dive into the exciting possibilities of 2024, your business goals might be swirling in your head, feeling a little different than they did a year ago. That’s okay! Change is inevitable, and with it comes the opportunity to re-evaluate and evolve. Let’s explore three key ways to keep your small business moving forward in the new year: Take stock, pivot, and refine Before charging ahead, take a moment to check in with yourself, asking the following questions: Acknowledge your experiences: Reflect on the lessons learned, the skills gained, a ..read more

The holiday season is not only a time for celebration but also a crucial period for small businesses to thrive. As you transform your store or office into a winter wonderland, consider the following tips to ensure your small business not only attracts customers but also provides them with an exceptional holiday experience. From extending convenient hours and collaborating with local businesses to optimizing your online presence and embracing personalized shopping experiences, these holiday tips aim to boost your business’s visibility, accessibility, and overall appeal. Decorate your store or o ..read more

As we look ahead to 2024, now is the time to get ahead and start planning for the new year. One strategic step you can take is hiring an intern for your small business. Regardless of your business’s nature, you can offer an invaluable learning experience to students while reaping benefits for your small business. That’s why The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center offers its Small Business Internship Initiative—a collaborative program designed to assist small businesses in understanding, attracting, and hosting high-value internships. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect ..read more

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We know you are busy running a small business and cybersecurity can be complex and overwhelming. Here are some action items you can take to make sure your business is more secure: Use two-factor authentication when logging into accounts (i.e. online banking, social media, etc.): Two-factor authentication, or multi-factor authentication is a security feature that      protects an account in addition to a password. This electronic authentication method grants access to an account, website, or application after successfully pres ..read more

In today’s business landscape, entrepreneurship has become a possible path for individuals seeking to pursue their dreams and secure a better future for themselves and their families. The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are teaming up to offer StartUP a 6-week certificate program designed for women with lower incomes, women experiencing a life transition or women trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. StartUP will offer women support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option fo ..read more

Why do you need a business plan? A business plan is a written guide for starting and running your business successfully. This is also what you will present to lenders and investors if you’re seeking funds. Many people may avoid developing a business plan because they don’t know where to begin or because they think the process is too time consuming. Don’t worry, the SBDC is here to help you and all your small business endeavors. Here is a break down of a business plan into five simple parts. Let’s dive into each part and its components! Executive Summary The Executive Summary of your Business P ..read more

Steps for Start-Up Success According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years. We don’t want this to happen to you!  Beyond the critical First Steps offered on our Starting Your Business handout (available to those who attend one of our First Step: Starting Your Business or First Step Express webinars) here are some tips to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes we see over and over again: Don’t rush to make decisions or sign contracts! There can often be emotional or high- pressure situations when it comes to starting ..read more

It’s a new year and you may be feeling overwhelmed by the goals you scribbled down for your business in 2023. Goals can bring change to your business, and that change brings opportunity to re-think what needs done and how we do it. Here are three ways to keep your business moving forward in 2023: Acknowledge Where You Are: You can start by taking an internal look at things by asking yourself some questions like: What have you learned through all this change? What skills or what do you need to learn to be a better leader, a better business person or business owner? Also, what are your pe ..read more

Ready for a new beginning in 2023? Though we are currently in the throes of the busyness of the holidays, you may be thinking about the fresh start of the new year. Is this the year you start your dream business? Coming January 2023, join The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center for a two-part webinar series, “New Year, New Business” to get you on your path to business ownership. In this program you will learn how to: Consider your business idea Assess your resources Review industry regulations Define your target market Identify your competitive advantage Write a business ..read more

Ready for a new beginning in 2023? Though we are currently in the throes of the busyness of the holidays, you may be thinking about the fresh start of the new year. Is this the year you start your dream business? Coming January 2023, join The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center for a two-part webinar series, “New Year, New Business” to get you on your path to business ownership. In this program you will learn how to: Consider your business idea Assess your resources Review industry regulations Define your target market Identify your competitive advantage Write a business ..read more