First Step - Virtual

Thursday, October 1, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

First Step - Erie

Thursday, October 8, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join us for one of two First Step seminars designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs explore their business ideas, understand the basics of business planning, review financing options, and assess their readiness for business ownership.

Meet the Lenders - In Person

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Meet with local lenders to learn about loan programs, startup financing, business and real estate loans, current lending trends, and how to navigate the financing process.

Tech Talk with the Tech Team - Webinar

Thursday, October 22, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A casual conversation with Gannon University SBDC's Tech Team. This session will focus on cybersecurity basics.

Holiday Ready: Cybersecurity for Small Business - Webinar

Friday, October 23, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A practical one-hour training designed to help small business owners strengthen their cybersecurity before the busy holiday season.

2026 Holiday Drop - Webinar

Thursday, October 29, 2026

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

This interactive webinar will help you prepare with practical strategies for holiday sales, marketing, online visibility, inventory planning, and customer engagement. Learn how to create effective promotions, strengthen your digital presence, prepare for increased demand, and keep customers coming back beyond the holiday season.

Client Spotlight: Yaple Vacuum Cleaner Center

Congratulations to Yaple Vacuum Cleaner on the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of their new location at 4026 Pine Avenue in Erie!

The celebration was held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for this longtime local business.

Yaple Vacuum Cleaner specializes in the sale, repair, and rental of quality vacuum and carpet cleaners. They carry popular brands including Hoover, SEBO, Dyson, Oreck, and Cirrus, and offer free estimates and repairs on all brands.

With a strong focus on affordable pricing, product knowledge, professionalism, and customer service, the team is ready to continue serving the Erie community from their new location.

Learn more at: dougyaplevacuum.com

MBA Feature Article: 45 years of Gannon University SBDC



$50,000 Big Idea Contest

Got a big idea? Ben Franklin’s Big Idea Contest is offering $50,000 in funding, plus mentorship and support to help turn innovative ideas into growing businesses. Applications close October 16, 2026.

Underdog Founders Network

A collaborative community that connects entrepreneurs with networking, mentorship, resources, and support to help them grow and thrive.

Upcoming Events

OSHA Amputation Workshop - Attend via Microsoft Teams

November 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA)

PIDA provides low-interest financing to eligible Pennsylvania businesses for projects such as land and building purchases, renovations, equipment, and working capital. 

All PASBDC Events

Resources & Research Tools

Request Consulting Services