Overview

The Lehigh University Small Business Development Center is:

• A member of the Pennsylvania Network of Small Business Development Centers.
• Has served Pennsylvania small businesses since 1978.
• Annually consults with over 1000 small businesses in Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery counties.
• Provides consulting, at no cost, to businesses in all stages of development, from pre-venture
to mature.
Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in part by a grant from the Department of Community & Economic Development, and by the U.S. Small Business Administration under cooperative agreement #4-603001-Z-0040-24 SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

A member of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers.

The Pennsylvania SBDCs are a member of the national Association of Small Business Development Centers.

Resources

Human Resources

Overall guidance of the SBDC is provided by faculty directors from the College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University and a private sector advisory board. The SBDC staff includes experienced business professionals who have general knowledge coupled with specialized areas of expertise. Each businessperson requesting assistance is matched with a counselor and the resources that are best suited to their business needs.

Library Resources

Library resources include a large collection of startup manuals, self-help guides for marketing, financial and personnel planning, current small business periodicals, and a variety of books on specific industries and businesses. Special libraries are available for clients interested in technology-transfer, international trade, and government marketing and retail.

Seminar Resources

The SBDC regularly conducts small business seminars on topics ranging from basic principles of operating a small business to financial management using personal computer and effective restaurant management. There is no charge for SBDC counseling; however, nominal fees are charged for seminars and some materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a charge for consulting services?

The SBDC program is supported by funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the host University and other funders. Consulting is provided at no charge. Nominal fees may apply for training programs, materials, publications, and special services (e.g. research obtained from sources that charge a fee).

Q: Will my discussions, research, and materials be kept confidential?

All SBDC representatives agree to abide by the Pennsylvania SBDC's Standards of Professional Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy. Information you provide will be held in strictest confidence and will not be released to any parties outside of the Pennsylvania SBDC network. Your information will not be sold or provided to other organizations. Specific information on you and the nature of your engagement with the SBDC will not be relased without your consent. No information that you provide will be used to the commercial advantage of any SBDC representative or to the advantage of a third party.