Its members provide free and confidential business counseling to people who are thinking of starting a new small business or who are already in business but need help. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter serves clients in Centre, Clearfield, and Huntingdon Counties.
Members are volunteers with years of experience in management and operations at various levels.
Counselors are matched with clients based on their past experience. In some cases, the need is for business planning or marketing that cuts across types of business. Sometimes a team of counselors is assigned when a broad range of need exists. Local attorneys, CPAs, insurance representatives, and other experts are the classroom instructors who then stay throughout the day to answer questions. Their services are provided free, although there is a nominal charge for lunch and materials.