SBDC - Small Business Development Center - University of Pittsburgh

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Pittsburgh offers consulting services and educational programs to fuel the establishment and growth of small businesses in Western Pennsylvania. Whether you are considering starting a business for the first time or considering ways to grow your established business, we will connect you with the resources and tools help your small business prosper and grow.

Expertise in Every Area

We provide seasoned expertise and business knowledge that allow you to spend more of your time doing what you’re best at: growing your business. Through a variety of services including consulting, SBIR/STTR training, Information Technology expertise, and many other specialties, we offer expert assistance in:

  • Creating Market Research
  • Developing a Business Plan
  • Implementing a Strategic Plan for growth
  • Exploring Government Markets
  • Competing in Foreign Markets
  • Accelerating Product Development
  • Implementing a More Effective Use of Technology
  • Accessing Funding Sources
  • Obtaining Federal Research Grants
  • Expanding Your Business Skills

Contact us today to learn how we can help lead your business to new levels of success.

Our Commitment to Small Business

We understand the tremendous importance of small businesses in America. Small businesses represent 92 percent of all U.S. businesses and account for half of the Gross Domestic Product – approximately $3.3 trillion. The survival of these businesses is fundamental to the long-term health of our economy, and we are here to make sure that your business not only survives but also grows.

Established in 1979, we have built an impressive record of service to our clients. The SBDC is a member of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC) and the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). As a member of these networks, we are able to draw on a rich base to provide our clients with a comprehensive range of business services for every stage of development.

The mission of the Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh is to grow the economy of Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.

Connecting You to Unlimited Resources

The PASBDC network supports small business owners throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with 18 university-based centers and 95 community office locations offering a wide range of business services. As a member of Association of SBDCs, the Pitt SBDC connects you to a vast national network of 1,000 SBDC centers. Our services and resources are the collective result of every business expert and seasoned consultant within our vast network. We are able to offer our services and programs at little or no cost thanks to our funding partners, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the support of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and the University of Pittsburgh.

The Pitt SBDC’s efforts contribute significantly to the overall impact of the Pennsylvania SBDC program. From helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, to helping small firms expand, to providing the information every business person needs to make critical decisions, the Pitt SBDC is the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help - help that can make the difference between success and failure.

 

SBDC Program Funders:

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

U.S. Small Business Administration

Spotlight

  • Total Compensation Reports
    A big idea now available for small companies
    Date: 07/31/2009

    In these times when raises aren’t possible, consider this easy-to-use software that allows owners to communicate to staff the total value of their compensation. After all, your business expends much more on people than just pay… but do they know the total value invested on them? Nationally, the average is 43% of pay! And everybody just takes it - and you - for granted! Try Free Report!
    Read More

  • De La Torre featured in Pennsylvania Senate video
    Date: 06/15/2009

    De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc., a long-time client and recent winner of the Small Business Person of the Year award for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was profiled in Capital Connection, a statewide show hosted by the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Broadcast Services. Pitt SBDC Director Ray Vargo also appears in the video to discuss the importance of SBDC services.
    Read More

  • SBIR Webinar
    Date: 05/31/2009

    SBDC Management Consultant Greg Rice presents "Show Me the Money," a Webinar covering the basics of the SBIR/STTR program.
    View Site

  • TABLE Magazine offers summer grilling tips
    KDKA
    Date: 05/28/2009

    Christina French, editor of TABLE Magazine and a client of the Pitt SBDC, appears on KDKA to share summer grilling suggestions for viewers. Additional ideas can be found in the summer issue of TABLE.
    View Site

  • Learning Express featured as loan recipient
    KDKA
    Date: 05/13/2009

    Twins Julie Toussaint and Jennifer Palashoff, clients of the Pitt SBDC, discuss a small business loan they recently received to create The Learning Express, a Robinson-based store offering educational toys.
    View Site