Bucknell SBDC Celebrates 40 Years of Assisting Businesses
State Senate and House members presented proclamations recognizing the Bucknell SBDC for 40 years of assisting businesses at a recent anniversary celebration. Pictured (left to right): Senator John Gordner, Senator Gene Yaw, Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver, Rep. Fred Keller, and Steve Stumbris, Bucknell SBDC Director.
The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has provided assistance to nearly 7,200 entrepreneurs and small businesses over its 40 year history. New businesses served by the SBDC as well as the organization’s staff, have received statewide recognition. The successes of the SBDC and its clients were celebrated recently on the Bucknell University campus.
The SBDC provides free, confidential consulting services in a variety of business areas including planning, product development, and marketing. In 2017, the Bucknell SBDC assisted 32 business start-ups and helped their clients secure a combined $10 million in financing. Bucknell client Nick Gilson of Gilson Snowboard & Ski Co. was recently recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA.
Denny Hummer, manager of the SBDC’s Startup Lewisburg incubator, was presented with the Pennsylvania State Star award, recognizing a top performer in the program. Bucknell’s Assistant Director Maureen Hauck was the recipient of the same award in 2015. The U.S. Small Business Administration recognized the Bucknell center with its Excellence and Innovation Award for Pennsylvania in 2016.
“The SBDC network is such a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Fred Gaffney, Chamber President. “Any time someone comes into our office interested in starting a business, we refer them to the SBDC. Bucknell Director Steve Stumbris and his team do a great job in supporting business growth in our region.”
The SBDC network is nationwide in partnership with local universities. The Bucknell SBDC serves Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Perry, and Juniata counties. Columbia County is served by the Wilkes University SBDC. For more information about their services, or to schedule a free consulting session, visit either of their respective websites.