Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center

WellSpan is highlighting its commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the local economy. Through this event, WellSpan aims to help empower small businesses to grow, understand the procurement process, and explore opportunities to become vendors for future work at WellSpan. This procurement fair and networking mixer is designed to connect local business owners with WellSpan’s contracting teams so these teams can collect vendor information for follow-up and potential contracting opportunities and provide prospective vendors with clear guidance on how to bid.

Register to attend with this link: https://bit.ly/WellSpanProcurementFair

Visit pasbdc.org/agriculture to learn more, check out our on-demand training events,
and request consulting.

Join us for an exciting workshop, "Navigating Professional Growth
in Early Learning: Pennsylvania’s Career Pathway, CDA, and
Director Credential" on June 30th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Please register by using this link https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33611

With a $1M total prize pool, the SBA Patriot Pitch Competition awards American innovation!

Key details:
✅ Judging categories: strengthening American competitiveness, small business “punching above its weight,” economic impact, and business fundamentals and ex*****on readiness
✅ Deadline: Submit your pitch by June 10
✅ The finals: September 2026 in D.C.

Learn more and submit your pitch: https://www.sba.gov/freedom250

Now accepting applications for SSBCI Credit Counseling Cohort!

This free virtual cohort helps Pennsylvania entrepreneurs strengthen their credit and build a stronger foundation for future business financing.

Wednesdays: June 3, 10, 17, & 24
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Virtual Sessions

Learn more and apply by visiting www.jotform.com/form/261104553983155. Applications close on Wednesday, May 20.

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs
Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash Prize Pool Funded by Clover

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products.
“From the family farm to the factory floor, small businesses have punched above their weight for the last 250 years to power America’s economy, which is why the SBA is proud to spotlight the legacy and potential of entrepreneurship through the Patriot Pitch Competition,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This nationwide contest will award a total of $1 million in cash prizes to small businesses whose innovation, grit and leadership are helping build America’s next great era of strength, prosperity, and competitiveness on the world stage. We look forward to demonstrating how small business is big business for our nation – and to highlighting the resilient job creators and local businesses who are delivering the services, products, and solutions that are defining America’s future.”
“The Clover team couldn’t be prouder to support SBA’s Patriot Pitch event. This competition truly embodies the spirit of innovation, fierce competition, and American ingenuity - the very same values that define Clover,” said Takis Georgakopoulos, Fiserv Co-President.
The Patriot Pitch Competition will progress through four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on:
1. strengthening American competitiveness
2. innovating and demonstrating an outsized impact within an industry
3. delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs
4. showing strong fundamentals and ex*****on readiness
The competition will culminate in a one-day finals event in Washington, D.C., to be held in September, where the top finalists will pitch live before a panel of notable judges and a national audience for national recognition and the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover.
In addition to the live competition, the Patriot Pitch finals event will feature prominent speakers from business, government, and industry, a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger companies and contracting opportunities, and networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Small business owners interested in competing are encouraged to submit an application by June 10. Additional details on eligibility, competition stages, and event programming can be found at http://www.sba.gov/freedom250.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov

Small Business Administration We support America's small businesses. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

Congratulations to owners, Dawn Flower-Webb and Bruce Webb on the success of their inn, Mooreland Garden Inn. The Shippensburg University SBDC assisted Dawn and Bruce with business planning, marketing positioning and startup strategy. Read their full story below:

As part of our America the Entrepreneurial campaign at Shippensburg University in celebration of America250, we’re proud to highlight Brandon Bear, Shippensburg University Grove College of Business in Accounting '13.

Brandon has 2 entrepreneurial stories. 😲 He grew up in a family-owned small business that his parents started in 1994, Meadowbrooke Gourds, Inc., which he now leads. Simultaneously, he co-founded a second venture in 2013 with friends, Molly Pitcher Brewing Company in Carlisle.

Let's start with Molly Pitcher Brewing Company. Brandon was one of the original four partners who helped launch the brewery in downtown Carlisle. Since opening, it has grown into a staple of downtown Carlisle, and Brandon has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting downtown Carlisle. An example is he co-founded the Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash with Downtown Carlisle Association, a signature community event that celebrates local history while driving tourism.

His 2nd entrepreneurial story, Meadowbrooke Gourds, the family-owned agricultural and manufacturing business he grew up in has grown into a nationally recognized brand. Today, as President, Brandon continues to carry that legacy forward. Meadowbrooke Gourds has even been featured on the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, showcasing the craftsmanship and hard work behind their one-of-a-kind products and farming.

During his entrepreneurial journey, Brandon has continued to connect with the SBDC to receive environmental assistance, business planning and participates in class projects. Brandon reflects on his time as a student at Ship stating "It taught me structure, systems and how to run a business from a financial standpoint. This became a huge benefit later on when I was getting financing and approaching lenders and decision makers".

His story reflects the power of entrepreneurship to not only build businesses, but to carry forward family legacies, create new ventures, strengthen downtowns, and contribute to the economic vitality of Central Pa.

Molly Pitcher Brewing Company, 139 W High St, Carlisle
🔗 www.mollypitcher.com
🔗 www.facebook.com/MollyPitcherBrewing

Meadowbrooke Gourds, 125 Potato Rd, Carlisle
🔗 Website: www.mbgourds.com
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/mbgourds

Across Pennsylvania, we’re celebrating the hardworking individuals who turn ideas into thriving businesses and who continue to inspire us every day.

It's National Small Business Week! 🎉

For more than 60 years, this week has honored the innovation, dedication, and impact of small business owners and entrepreneurs who power our economy and strengthen our communities.

Across Pennsylvania, we’re celebrating the hardworking individuals who turn ideas into thriving businesses and who continue to inspire us every day.

Join us in recognizing and supporting small businesses, their success stories, and the vital role they play in Pennsylvania’s economy this week and all year long.