Small Business Development Center Growth Summit brings statewide network to Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently welcomed SBDC professionals from 15 centers across Pennsylvania for the annual PASBDC Growth Summit, a statewide professional development event designed to strengthen the network’s ability to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the commonwealth.

Centered around this year’s theme, "Impact & Innovation," sessions focused on integrating artificial intelligence into consulting practices and enhancing marketing strategies — ensuring SBDC advisers remain equipped to guide businesses in an evolving landscape.

“The Growth Summit exists because Pennsylvania’s small businesses deserve a support network that grows as fast as they do,” said Sarah Mailloux, state director of the PASBDC network. “As a unified network, PASBDC staff come together to spark innovation, strengthen our shared strategy, and broaden the impact we deliver in every community.”

The annual PASBDC Awards Ceremony was held at the Learning Factory within Penn State’s Engineering Design and Innovation Building, a space that provides access to equipment, training and collaborative experiences spanning metal and wood fabrication, additive manufacturing, and more. Before the ceremony, summit attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility alongside Learning Factory Shop Supervisor Steve White and student teaching assistants, highlighting the space’s hands-on, experiential approach to problem-solving and product development. The visit reflected the summit’s theme by demonstrating how creativity, technology and hands-on learning can drive new ideas and entrepreneurial thinking.

In addition to hands-on learning opportunities and facility tours, summit programming encouraged collaboration and knowledge-sharing among advisers from across the statewide network. Sessions and discussions focused on emerging trends, evolving business needs, and new approaches to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Pennsylvania. During one interactive session, Brad Zdenek, director of economic development and student programs at Penn State, explored practical examples of how artificial intelligence tools can support business advising and entrepreneur engagement efforts.

“We were proud to welcome PASBDC colleagues from across the commonwealth to Penn State for this year’s Growth Summit,” said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “As the needs of small businesses continue to evolve, it’s critical that our advisers continue learning alongside them. From AI applications to marketing strategy and data analysis, this summit provided valuable opportunities to strengthen our expertise, share ideas, and ensure we are delivering the most relevant, effective support to entrepreneurs and communities across Pennsylvania.”

Beyond professional development sessions, attendees also engaged directly with Penn State SBDC clients including Happy Valley Improv and Manny’s Live Performance Space, highlighting the diversity of entrepreneurs supported through the Penn State SBDC.

“These experiences help remind us that behind every business is a story, a community, and an entrepreneur navigating challenges and opportunities in real time,” Mailloux said. “This summit is where collaboration accelerates progress and where we ensure our advisors are equipped to drive meaningful results for entrepreneurs across the commonwealth.”

By combining professional development with direct engagement with Pennsylvania entrepreneurs, the PASBDC Growth Summit reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering informed, responsive and community-centered support to small businesses across the state, Mailloux added.

Event sponsors included Customers Bank, Pennie, Huntington Bank, Live Oak Bank, Regional Development Funding Corporation, Bridgeway Capital, Enterprise Bank, Fulton Bank, Horizon Farm Credit, Innovation Park, PA CDFI Network, and Pursuit.

About the Penn State SBDC

Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; and in part through support from Penn State. All services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government.

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC serves Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.