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Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions here at the SBDC, if you cannot find one pertaining to your question feel free to contact us here or by calling  (412) 396-1633.

The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center offers confidential, individualized consulting to small business owners and individuals interested in establishing a business in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The basic consulting services are delivered through outreach programs in cooperation with on-site organizations in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties as well as in the SBDC's downtown Pittsburgh office. In conjunction with other organizations and agencies, the SBDC also sponsors management and training seminars and programs which present timely information at a low cost to small business owners.
There is no charge for SBDC consulting services. The SBDC is a non-profit organization that is funded on the federal level by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and on the state level by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Each agency, along with the host university, contributes to the financial support of the program. There are fee charges for seminars and workshops.
The SBDC provides specialized consulting in business planning, strategic planning, human resources, marketing and promotion, and financial analysis. An International Trade program is available for firms that want to enter into or expand in the global marketplace.
The SBDC offers First Step: Business Startup Essentials, a $25.00 pre-business seminar for individuals who want general information on starting a business or who are in the initial startup phase. These seminars provide the basis for getting a business up and running. Consulation services are available after the completion of the First Step workshop.
A consultant will contact you within 7-10 business days after you complete a Request for Consulting form.
At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business or proposal, determine a corse of action and identify tasks to be completed. You and the consultant will plan what the next steps for follow up should be.