Best Small Business Resources in the Scranton-Wikes-Barre Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Pennsylvania has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Scranton-Wikes-Barre area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Pennsylvania.
Resources Available in your Area
Scranton Enterprise Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
The SEC provides a space for startups to hold meetings, attend workshops, and meet with counselors to improve their business. It offers access to equipment like printers and scanners, as well as spaces like conference rooms. The resources are open to anyone, but you must submit an application with a detailed business plan in order to secure more permanent space in the SEC building. Because the SEC focuses on nurturing new small businesses, it will not be as useful to established businesses.
Restrictions
Only businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania, services offered via membership only.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
201 Lackawanna Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
570-342-7711
awhitney@scrantonchamber.com
MetroAction
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
MetroAction offers a variety of small business loans for new or existing small businesses. They also offer seminars on topics from leadership to marketing. You can receive free one-on-one counseling on topics like business planning, marketing planning, loan readiness, and more.
Restrictions
Small businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
222 Mulberry St., P.O. Box 431
Scranton, PA 18501
570-341-0270
info@MetroAction.org
Scranton-Wikes-Barre SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
University of Scranton SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth