Scranton SBDC Agribusiness Program Receives State Star Award

        The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) Agribusiness and Food Specialty Program was among the just 63 centers in the country, and the only center in Pennsylvania, to receive the national Association of Small Business Development Centers' 2009 State Star Award. The award, given to centers demonstrating exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business, was presented at a reception on September 17 in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with the organization's 29th Annual Conference.

        The Agribusiness and Food Specialty Program offers one-on-one consulting specific to farm-based businesses, and those interested in organic, natural and/or specialty food issues and products.  Elaine Tweedy, director of Scranton's SBDC, and SBDC consultants Maria Montenegro, Susan Dillon and Lisa Hall lead the program. The program provides business management expertise and training to help farmers run their farms more efficiently, become better employers, and strategically plan their investments.  Assistance includes accessing industry research, pricing for profitability and developing operation-oriented business plans.

        America's Small Business Development Center Network is an assistance network of approximately 1,000 service centers in the United States and its territories that provide no-cost consulting and low-cost training for small businesses. The centers are hosted by leading universities, colleges and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

        The University of Scranton SBDC is one of 18 college-based centers in Pennsylvania and serves small businesses and entrepreneurs in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties. For additional information, call 570-941-7588 or email sbdc@scranton.edu