At the Wharton SBDC, we are passionately committed to helping entrepreneurs in the state of Pennsylvania (see note below) to start and grow their businesses. There are 18 SBDCs across the state of PA. At Wharton, our experienced staff supports entrepreneurs in all phases of business through a combination of course work and consultation.

Over the last three years alone, the Wharton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs to conceptualize, build, transition, or expand their small businesses.

To take full advantage of our client services, please click on the most appropriate option below:

Early Stage Entrepreneurs: An early stage entrepreneur is beginning to build his/her business or has a deep commitment to starting one. He/she is interested in understanding what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, how to conceptualize the details of a product idea, how to write an effective business plan, and how to compare the various options for financing.

Entrepreneurs with Established Businesses: An entrepreneur with an established business is generating income from an existing business with substantial and predictably recurring sales. He or she is facing a business transformation or otherwise considering a new opportunity to increase sales and/or rationalize costs.

Entrepreneurs Innovating Complex Business Models--A Special New Program: This entrepreneur is a member of a team that has deep technical or industry knowledge in the market in which the business will or does compete and possesses reasonable expectation of intellectual property protection. Many such teams eventually seek venture capital to grow their businesses to have nationwide or global reach. This entrepreneur seeks assistance to apply key business tools and frameworks relating to strategy, operations, marketing and finance to further conceptualize the business.

Other Services

The Wharton SBDC also provides limited services for entrepreneurs focused only on developing a business plan or have been directed to the SBDC to have their plan reviewed for certification. To take advantage of these services, please click here.

Environmental Management Assistance Program: The Environmental Management Assistance Program offers confidential compliance assistance with environmental and health and safety regulations, on-site assessments to look for opportunities to cut costs through pollution prevention and energy efficiency, and assistance developing and marketing environmental technology.

Have a question? Please email us. A member of our staff will respond to all inquiries within 48 business hours.

* If your business is not located in Pennsylvania, please visit the United States Small Business Administration SBDC Locator