Pennsylvania Small Business Week May 1 - 7 2016

Pennsylvania is home to nearly one million small businesses, employing 2.4 million individuals, and plays a vital role in Pennsylvania’s economy, accounting for 98.2 percent of businesses in the state.

In recognition of the small business community’s significant contributions to Pennsylvania’s economy, DCED is hosting Pennsylvania Small Business Week, May 1-7, 2016 to celebrate entrepreneurs and small business owners for their contributions to Pennsylvania’s economy, and draw attention to the resources available to support them.

As a part of the week-long celebration, small business-owners can participate in DCED's Small Business Web Series and other entrepreneurial educational programs giving participants an opportunity to see the reach that DCED has to help the commonwealth's small business community. Each free, 60-minute webinar in the series will be presented by experienced small business consultants providing guidance on a variety of topics:

• Monday, May 2 (12:00-1:00 PM) – Starting a Small Business, presented by Keith D. Yurgosky, MBA, business consultant, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

• Tuesday, May 3 (12:00-1:00 PM) – Financing a Small Business, presented by John Reichard, SEDA-COG.

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• Wednesday, May 4 (12:00-1:00 PM) – Leveraging LinkedIn to Supercharge Prospecting, Referrals and Sales, presented by Jeff Teschke, founder and CEO, Forge3.com.

• Thursday, May 5 (12:00-1:00 PM) – Exploring New Market Opportunities, presented by Cris Pierce, government contracting manager, Northwest Commission Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Dorte Heffernan, Manager, International Trade Program, Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. 

​This session will cover opportunities that exist with the world’s largest buyer of goods and services (U.S. government) and in the global marketplace. This webinar will introduce participants to various partners that provide technical assistance regarding: 

• government procurement processes (local, state, federal);
• support for veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses; and
• export assistance available to sell to international markets.

• ​​Friday, May 6 (12:00- 1:00 PM) - Taking Your Business to the Next Level, presented by Leo Gilroy, director of innovation and strategy, NEPIRC and Kenneth Okrepkie, regional manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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List of resources and events taking place across PA:
www.newPA.com/PASmallBiz

​​#PASmallBiz16