SBDC Receives State Recognition for Funding Achievement

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) recognized the University’s SBDC for funding achievements during its 2014 Small Business Growth Forum in Scranton.

Duquesne’s SBDC received the Creative Funding Award for its success in attaining program funding in new and creative ways. This year, the Duquesne group secured funds totaling $450,000 from three new sources to assist Pittsburgh area small business owners.

The funding included:

• A U.S. Small Business Administration Portable Assistance grant to provide consulting and training to assist unemployed workers in starting businesses
• A U.S. Commercial Service Market Development Cooperator Program grant to promote trade with Colombia, Chile, Peru and Mexico, strengthening global competitiveness of Pennsylvania manufacturers
• A U.S. Small Business Administration Growth Fund Accelerator to start NeoLab, a networking and individual consulting space for Hispanic and disadvantaged owners of startups and fledgling businesses.

“It’s gratifying to receive recognition for our staff’s extraordinary effort to attain this funding, which allows us to continue developing small businesses in the Pittsburgh area,” said Dr. Mary McKinney, Duquesne SBDC director. “With these funds, we can focus on expanding exports and rebuilding the economic base in disadvantaged communities—which aligns also with the University’s mission of service.”