Duquesne University SBDC

Duquesne University SBDC We offer no-cost, confidential consulting services and training programs to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Our Services Include:

-Management Consulting
-Technology Commercialization
-Startup Assistance
-Business Financing
-Training Programs

Protect What Matters Most: Cybersecurity in Today's WorldCyber threats are evolving every day. Are you prepared?On Tuesd...
10/08/2026

Protect What Matters Most: Cybersecurity in Today's World

Cyber threats are evolving every day. Are you prepared?

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET attend the webinar featuring James Scopis, Cyber Crime Senior Specialist at Bank of America as he explores today's digital threat landscape, the growing role of AI in cybercrime and cybersecurity, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal and financial information.

• Learn about emerging cyber risks
• Understand how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape
• Discover actionable strategies to protect yourself online
• Enhance your cybersecurity awareness and digital safety

Reserve your spot today and gain valuable insights to help protect what matters most.

Register Here: 2adeec7f-d292-4fd1-90cd-ddaf4997fb41@2b256175-5eca-4aaa-935a-4c63d79447ce?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2adeec7f-d292-4fd1-90cd-ddaf4997fb41@2b256175-5eca-4aaa-935a-4c63d79447ce?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog

Hosted by The Schwartz Group.

Pennsylvania Creative Businesses: Grant Funding Opportunity Now Open!Are you a Pennsylvania-based creative entrepreneur ...
10/07/2026

Pennsylvania Creative Businesses: Grant Funding Opportunity Now Open!

Are you a Pennsylvania-based creative entrepreneur looking to grow your business and increase your community impact? The newly revised Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grant Program is now accepting applications through Keystone Creatives.

The CEA program provides funding to support the growth and success of creative businesses across the Commonwealth, helping entrepreneurs expand their reach, strengthen their operations, and contribute to their local communities.

• Grant funding available for eligible creative businesses
• Support for business growth and community impact
• No-cost and low-cost business advising available through Pennsylvania's SBDC Network and other entrepreneurial support organizations
• Application guidance resources available for prospective applicants

The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) encourages eligible creative entrepreneurs throughout Allegheny County and Southwest Pennsylvania to explore this exciting opportunity. While advising is not required to apply, our team is available to help entrepreneurs prepare strong, competitive applications.

Learn more and apply: https://keystonecreatives.org/

Connect with the Duquesne University SBDC: https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/

Tag a creative entrepreneur, artist, maker, designer, or creative business owner who should know about this opportunity!

We Created THIS Video for Polly & Esther PGH! [DUQ SBDC No-Cost Media Production Program]The Duquesne University Small B...
10/06/2026

We Created THIS Video for Polly & Esther PGH! [DUQ SBDC No-Cost Media Production Program]

The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), through the center's Digital Media Production Program, was able to assist Polly & Esther PGH in creating this overview/introduction video highlighting their local boutique store. The DUQ SBDC assisted this business by facilitating all of the necessary steps in the video production process, including brainstorming, outlining, scripting, filming, & editing. Suzan, the owner of Polly & Esther PGH, intends to use this video on her social media platforms as well as her website in order to promote brand awareness.

View the finished video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2NY_1i5xyg





Cyber threats can put your business’s data, finances, operations, and reputation at risk. But knowing where your busines...
10/05/2026

Cyber threats can put your business’s data, finances, operations, and reputation at risk.
But knowing where your business may be vulnerable, and what steps to take to protect it,
isn’t always easy.

The Pennsylvania SBDC has cyber-certified consultants who can help.

Our no-cost, confidential cybersecurity consulting services provide practical, one-on-one
guidance to help you identify potential risks, recognize cyber threats, improve password
and backup practices, train employees, and prepare for, respond to, and recover from a
potential breach.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a timely opportunity to strengthen
your business’s cybersecurity. Learn more, access resources, and connect with your local
SBDC at www.pasbdc.org/cybersecurity

Collaboration Creates OpportunityThe Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) recently convened an outstanding group of...
10/02/2026

Collaboration Creates Opportunity

The Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) recently convened an outstanding group of leaders and economic development professionals from across Pennsylvania to discuss opportunities for collaboration, entrepreneurship, business support services, and economic growth.

Through meaningful conversations and strategic partnerships, organizations from across the region explored new ways to connect business owners with the resources, guidance, and support they need to start, grow, and thrive.

Together, we're creating pathways to opportunity and building a stronger future for small businesses.

Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to champion small business growth throughout our region.

Read more about the Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) here - https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Business-Assistance-Service-Center

Our partners in the picture left to right:
• Jeffrey Boldizar, Director, Saint Francis University SBDC
• Eric Swift, Assistant Director, University of Pittsburgh SBDC
• Matt Reckner, Business Consultant, Saint Francis University SBDC
• Rafique Iddrisu, Manager of Business/Client Services & Business Consultant, Duquesne University SBDC
• Cindy Nellis, Director, PennWest Clarion SBDC
• Rich Longo, Director, Duquesne University SBDC
• Christina Nowak, Chief Operating Officer, Colorful Voices
• Jeremy Scheifele, Director of Programs, Colorful Voices
• Noelia Ortiz De La Rosa, Economic Development Analyst, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
• Bryan Garcia, Economic Development Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
• Jeromy Lamya, Business Consultant / Analytics - Business Assistance Service Center, Duquesne University SBDC
• Cindi Oliver, Manager / Business Consultation Services - Business Assistance Service Center, Duquesne University SBDC
• Timothy Jones, Founder and CEO, Colorful Voices
• Lyzona Marshall, Assistant Professor of Business & Director, Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities
School of Business, Seton Hill University
• Sarah Fullwood, Events Committee Lead, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Meghan Hillegas, Director of Capital Acquisition & Growth Services, PASBDC

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.

We’re excited to welcome our new graduate assistants for the 2026 fall semester! 🎉We look forward to adding their skills...
10/01/2026

We’re excited to welcome our new graduate assistants for the 2026 fall semester! 🎉

We look forward to adding their skills, perspectives, and talents to our team as they support the entrepreneurs and small businesses we serve!

Swipe through ➡️ to meet our new student team members!

Client Success Story - Duquesne SBDCKeystone Veterinary Clinic - Compassionate Care for our Deserving PetDr. Janelle Hof...
09/30/2026

Client Success Story - Duquesne SBDC

Keystone Veterinary Clinic - Compassionate Care for our Deserving Pet

Dr. Janelle Hoffman had a vision for more than a veterinary practice—she wanted to create an independent, locally owned clinic rooted in compassion, trust, and a commitment to the Slippery Rock community. After earning degrees in Animal Sciences and Agribusiness Management from Penn State University and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Hoffman set out to make that vision a reality with Keystone Veterinary Care.

Launching the clinic required finding the right location, securing capital, renovating the building, and purchasing specialized equipment and supplies. In 2025, Dr. Hoffman connected with the Duquesne University SBDC..

Read full story here: https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/Resource-Keystone-Veterinary-Care

09/29/2026

🔴 All-new podcast episode w/ Safely Home Solutions LLC is now live on our YouTube channel! 🔴

Link 🔗 to the full episode is in the comments below! ⬇️

Host Rich Longo and business consultant, Rafique Iddrisu, sit down with Michael Dezort & Cliff Milowicki, co-founders of Safely Home Solutions LLC, and clients of the Duquesne University SBDC, to discuss the founding of their business, their experiences working in healthcare, working with the DUQ SBDC, & much more!

The U.S. National Science Foundation relaunched its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfe...
09/28/2026

The U.S. National Science Foundation relaunched its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (NSF SBIR/STTR) programs with $250 million for the nation's startups and small businesses, including a new $40 million pilot emphasis area targeting the next generation of scientific instrumentation. The programs will support technologies that open entirely new fields of discovery, including novel experimental platforms and advanced scientific equipment.

In this session, NSF SBIR/STTR program directors will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility, and what is looked for when reviewing Project Pitches.

Virtual question and answer session titled Office Hours: Intro to America's Seed Fund at NSF:
Thursday, October 8, 2-3 p.m. EDT - https://nsf.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_MYWzjmdpSiWWN7tu1tzqow?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery #/registration

For those clients and non-clients who are interested in SBIR/STTR you may want to attend as well obtain related information. Please know the Duquesne SBDC has expertise in the SBIR/STTR application process and is here to further assist you. For more information on how best to prepare for an SBIR/STTR application please contact the Duquesne SBDC.

https://www.sbdc.duq.edu/GovernmentGrants

We’re excited to welcome back our returning graduate assistants and fellows for the 2026 fall semester! 🎉THANK YOU for t...
09/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome back our returning graduate assistants and fellows for the 2026 fall semester! 🎉

THANK YOU for the hard work, energy, and dedication each and every one of you bring to the DUQ SBDC and the small businesses we serve! 👏🏻

Swipe through ➡️ to meet our returning student team members, and stay tuned as we introduce our newest graduate assistants!

Address

600 Forbes Avenue/Rockwell Hall 108
Pittsburgh, PA
15282

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(412) 396-1633

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