SBDC Provides Valuable Business Services in Response to COVID-19 Impact

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is available to help Pittsburgh small businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in the wake of Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to close physical locations of non-essential businesses.

Duquesne's SBDC is Here to Help

“The devastating effect the pandemic has had on small businesses is profound,” Rich Longo, interim director of the SBDC, said. “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. These times have demonstrated the importance of the SBDC to help small business owners make informed decisions on what’s best for their business.”

In partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s SBDC, the University’s SBDC is offering both group and individual consultation sessions for small business owners affected by the mandatory closure of non-essential businesses.

During the initial two-week period of the pandemic, the SBDC has:

  • Assisted more than 400 businesses dealing with closures
  • Helped nearly 120 individuals with loan application processes
  • Fielded and responded to an average of 30 calls per day
  • Developed an overview and process for businesses to apply for various emergency economic disaster loans
  • Hosted timely webinars, each of which has been filled to capacity.

For more information and to contact the SBDC for assistance, visit www.duq.edu/sbdc, call 412.396.1633 or email duqsbdc@duq.edu.