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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
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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.
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SBDC Success Story:
RACRA
The Ebensburg Airport has a long history of providing service to the business and recreational flying community dating back to the 1930s. The airport was originally known as the Keystone Airport and was purchased by Ebensburg Borough from the Pennsylvania Aeronautics Authority in 1947 for $1.00. It was renamed the Ebensburg Airport in 1960. Over the ensuing years, the Borough seemed to become less interested in operating the airport and looked at the site along US Route 22 for its development opportunities. Others looked at the airport as providing a valuable service to the flying community. At several times, the borough seriously considered closing the airport.
In the spring of 2007, it appeared more likely that the borough would elect to close the airport. It was then that the Regional Aviation Conservation and Recreation Association, Inc. (RACRA) started looking more seriously at options it could take. RACRA is a group of aviation enthusiasts who know the value of the Ebensburg Airport and wanted to see it continue in operation to benefit both the recreational as well as the business pilot.
RACRA contacted the Small Business Development Center in relation to obtaining assistance in preparing a business plan to present to the Ebensburg Borough Council to show them that it was economically feasible to enter into a lease agreement with RACRA to operate the airport. Initially, the group felt that they faced long odds with the current make-up of council. The Center worked with RACRA on the preparation of the business plan, looking not only at current activities at the airport but also at additional items that could bring revenue to the facility. The group went through several iterations of the business plan and financial projections and the final version was presented to council in September. At that time, council approved entering lease negotiations with RACRA.
Lease negotiations took several weeks until both sides developed a lease that was acceptable to both parties. In November, the lease was presented to the full council and it was approved. As a result of this, RACRA took over operations of the airport January 1, 2008. They are optimistic for the future of the airport and the service it provides to the region.
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