Start Your Business

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Have you dreamed of being your own boss for many years, but don't know where to start? Do you ask questions like “How do I turn my good idea into a successful business?” “What kind of forms and licenses do I need?” “Where can I find financing?” “Where is the best place to open my business?” “How do I prepare a business plan?”

For over 35 years, the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has provided consulting and training designed to teach prospective and new entrepreneurs the basics of starting and successfully operating their own businesses. In 2018, the Clarion University SBDC met with 623 existing and preventure businesses and provided over 8,190.00 hours of consulting assistance. Last year, the Clarion University SBDC helped 56 businesses purchase or start a business. The Clarion University SBDC assisted 68 clients seeking capital with total capital acquisition of $14,196,644. With the help of the Clarion University SBDC your dream can become a reality.

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions for new businesses
Review the Starting a Business Checklist
Read Entrepreneur magazine's Top 10 reasons to start a business in a recession

SBDC Clients Succeed

The best way to prevent business failure is to plan your business properly from the start. The Clarion University SBDC has the knowledge and experience you need to make your dream work. Studies have shown that 80% of SBDC assisted firms are still in business 8 years after their start-up date. Businesses started with SBDC assistance survive longer and grow faster than the average firm.

For examples of Clarion University SBDC client success go to our Success Stories page.

The First Step Workshop

The Clarion University SBDC offers First Step workshops to help entrepreneurs start their own business. This workshop assists entrepreneurs in starting down the path to successful business ownership – evaluating business ideas, developing a business plan, and exploring financing options.

To get started we recommend attending a SBDC First Step workshop where you will learn:

What unique lifestyle requirements are involved in owning a business
How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
Differences between business organization structures
How to develop a business plan?
How to obtain financing
How to market your product or service
The applications and licenses needed to start your company
How to conduct research on your industry, market and competition
Regulations governing a business
Environmental regulation compliance
Other resources that you can use to help you plan and succeed

First Step workshops are offered on a regular basis in all counties across the Clarion University SBDC region. In addition, the SBDC has an online tutorial that covers these topics, available to you at any time (no fee, registration required).

Find and Register for a First Step Workshop near you
View or print First Step brochure
Learn more about the Online Tutorial for Starting a Business

The Next Step

The next step to growing your new business is to take advantage of the SBDCs’ one-on-one consulting and information services. After completing a First Step workshop, you will be able to meet confidentially with an SBDC consultant at no cost. Your consultant can help you with all of the issues you learned about in your First Step workshop, tailoring their advice to your business idea and needs in mind.

More Resources

A great source for information pertaining to starting and expanding small businesses in the Clarion University Small Business Development Center's ten county region is the Clarion University SBDC Business Resource Guide.

More information on starting and growing a business can be found in The Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania, a state publication that provides practical tips and helpful information on all aspects of business ownership. To request a hard copy, contact the Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance at (800) 280-3801.

The Clarion University SBDC has many other resources that you can use to help you plan and succeed in starting or expanding your new small business.

Already in business? Find out how SBDC services can help you grow your business.