News Release: 3/12/2025

Chamber NewsMember Events

So, You Want to Start a Small Business?
Hosted at the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 9th
 
Beaver, PA (April 2025)- Are you dreaming of becoming your own boss? Join us for a special event that will showcase how the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Western PA District Office assist entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into successful businesses. This in-person event is designed to provide aspiring business owners with the resources and guidance they need to get started.
 
Event Highlights:
  • Expert Guidance: Learn from industry experts about the steps to start your own business.
  • Microloan Lenders: Meet Microloan lenders in person and discover how they can help you secure capital.
  • Funding Process: SBA Lender Relations Specialist Lynn Ann Vozniak will guide participants through the process of communicating funding needs and introduce area microloan lenders.
Speakers:
  • Janet Heyl, Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Rich Longo, Director, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center
  • David Katekovich, Owner - Marbull’s Restaurant & Tavern
  • Lynn Ann Vozniak, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
Microloan Lenders in Attendance:
  • Pursuit
  • WCCED - Washington County Council on Economic Development
  • Bridgeway Capital
504 Lender in Attendance:
  • Regional Development Funding Corporation
“SBA Microloans are a great source for small-dollar financing,” said SBA Western PA District Director Dr. Kelly Hunt. “Microloan lenders provide up to $50,000 in capital and even more free assistance to borrowers. That really gives people the chance to open that small business and succeed.”
 
Register today to take the first step towards becoming your own boss! For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Event-Start-a-Small-Business-Beaver
 
Our mission here at the Duquesne University SBDC is to offer no-cost, confidential consulting services and training workshops in southwestern Pennsylvania to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge they need to start, grow, and prosper.  Our vision is to turn dreams into sustainable businesses. We believe in delivering proven services that contribute to long-term success. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 
 
The SBA Western Pennsylvania District Office is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed by providing a range of services, including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance. The office serves 27 counties in western Pennsylvania, offering support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region.
 
Duquesne University SBDC Media Contact:
John Higgins - Marketing, Training, & Informatics Manager  
600 Forbes Ave, Rockwell Hall 108, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
higginsj5@duq.edu
412-396-1631
sbdc.duq.edu

News Release: 3/12/2025