SBDC NEWS

• Pennsylvania SBDC Study Examines Top Small Business Issues
• Pennsylvania SBDC Launches New Online Resource to Repurpose Surplus Manure
• Fall 2007 Advisor

Pennsylvania SBDC Study Examines Top Small Business Issues

Study Identifies 9 Challenges Specific to Pennsylvania Firms

What issues are preventing Pennsylvania small businesses from succeeding? Recently, the Pennsylvania SBDC network undertook a study to identify the major challenges facing small firms today.

In compiling various surveys of small businesses in Pennsylvania, and nationally, a few issues immediately rose to the top. The number one cited issue? Access to affordable health insurance. Another major issue is the rising cost of energy, followed by challenges relating to taxes, lawsuits and liabilities, workers compensation, regulations and workforce development.

The report, entitled “Issues Challenging Pennsylvania Small Businesses” examines the nine most pressing challenges facing small firms in an effort to better understand the needs of Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs.

“We are committed to supporting Pennsylvania’s small businesses and helping them to address these challenges head-on,” said Gregory L. Higgins, Jr., state director of the Pennsylvania SBDC. “In addition to these studies, the Advocacy and Resource Development Board keeps the SBDC connected to small business needs. We are working with these individuals and other community leaders to present solutions for small business owners. Since many of the challenges identified result from public policy decisions, there are things that can be done on the legislative side to investigate possible remedies, and we look forward to working with our elected officials to do so.”

The Pennsylvania SBDC also completed its strategic plan through 2012 to address these and other regional issues in its efforts to help entrepreneurs address the full range of management and operational issues involved in starting, operating and growing successful businesses.

To view the full report, visit www.pasbdc.org/what/resources/research.asp.

Pennsylvania SBDC Launches New Online Resource to Repurpose Surplus Manure

Recycling, it seems, can apply to just about anything. Responding to recent concerns prompted by new regulations for manure, the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission tapped the Pennsylvania SBDC for a solution to repurpose the tons of animal waste produced annually.

Pennsylvania Act 38 dictates that excess manure can no longer be used where it is produced. With only 24 percent of the state’s eligible cropland currently utilized for manure application, the new regulations present a serious problem for many of Pennsylvania’s 55,000 farms.

The commission discovered a model solution in the SBDC’s Pennsylvania Material Trader, a website promoting the exchange of waste materials such as wood shavings, old electronics, ash, and construction debris. In partnering with the SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program, the commission worked to replicate Material Trader’s functionality. The resulting website, Pennsylvania Manure Trader, is a free service designed to help farmers comply with disposal regulations and assist others in exploring manure’s many uses.

Despite its classification as “waste,” manure actually has a number of uses. Manure Trader creates opportunities for traditional farmer-to-farmer exchanges for crop fertilization as well as opportunities to encourage innovative manure uses as varied as soil reclamation, algae production, and even building materials. Manure listings may also serve to further alternative energy research: manure-to-methanol, anaerobic digestion, and co-firing are a few of the processes currently being considered.

The site allows visitors to browse available and wanted listings or log in to create a confidential listing. Already dubbed an “eBay for manure,” Manure Trader allows users to sort listings by type, price, quantity and date listed.