NEWS UPDATES: SBDC Announces the 2009 Small Business Award Winners 
The Small Business Development Center at Saint Francis University has helped businesses in the Southern Alleghenies region start, grow and prosper for over twenty-five years. The Saint Francis University SBDC is one of 18 Small Business Development Centers in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.
Our team of professional consultants works confidentially with entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties to help their businesses maintain a competitive edge.
Whatever your challenge, an SBDC consultant is ready to meet with you, one-on-one, to help you launch your business, discuss your existing business plan, or help you develop the strategies you need to meet your goals.
Our consulting services are offered free of charge and your information is always confidential. We can offer a consultant who is uniquely qualified to help you create an effective strategy. Our consultants have expertise in: Accounting • Banking • Business Planning • Entrepreneurship • Environmental Management • Financial Analysis • International Business • Marketing and Advertising • Market Planning and Research • Research • Strategic Planning • Website Marketing & Development |     | Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and through support from Saint Francis University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling (814) 472-3200. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. |
| SBDC Success Story:
Cassville Food Mart & Deli 
As the owner of several successful businesses, Randy Lemin knows a good business opportunity when he sees one. So when he saw the opportunity to purchase what was once a successful gas station and convenience store, the former Cassville Superette, he jumped at the opportunity. The previous store, destroyed in a fire in 2006, was the primary stopping point for locals and visitors to the area. With approximately 50% of the residences in Todd Township, located three miles away, being temporary residences or seasonal second homes, Randy recognized that there was still a need in the area for a gas station and convenience store to service the tourists and vacationers visiting the Raystown Lake area. The area is very rural with much of the acreage dedicated to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation such as snowmobile riding, trails for hiking and biking. Therefore, many of the patrons of this business are people visiting their weekend/vacation residences, hunting camps or camping at Lake Raystown and visiting and vacationing at the Lake for its recreational opportunities. Randy also knew that the local residents and business relied heavily on the business, like the local fire company, the local car dealership, and PenDot’s local road maintenance trucks. Randy contacted his local bank and the Huntingdon County Business and Industry who both referred Randy to the Saint Francis University SBDC to help him develop a comprehensive plan and marketing strategy. Randy met with one of the SBDC consultants who worked with him on developing his business plan, marketing strategy, and financial plan. Additionally, the SBDC indentified the First Industries Fund that covered much of Randy’s project costs at a low interest rate. As a result of his efforts, Randy Lemin was approved for his purchase of the property and the rebuilding of the store which he renamed the Cassville Food Mart & Deli. Along with his own equity investment, Randy was approved for a commercial bank loan through his local bank and the First Industries Fund through the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission. The funds enabled him to purchase the property and rebuild the store which offers gas, convenience items, and a separate section that provides a dining area where patrons can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner from a limited menu. Randy’s wife manages the business and he employed several part-time workers to assist with operations. Over the next three years he plans to hire at least eight more employees. |