Small Business Institute

The IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology sponsors the Small Business Institute (SBI). Our purpose is to provide business support services to local businesses and other organizations through the efforts of highly skilled and motivated undergraduate and MBA students teamed with experienced faculty members with professional consulting backgrounds.

Our award-winning services can assist businesses in areas such as:

• Management: Business planning; feasibility studies; new business venture/product development; competitor analysis: operations and quality review; employee handbook and policy manuals; job analysis/descriptions; compensation
• Marketing: Market research (survey, focus group, archival, etc.); new product and market development; market analysis; marketing planning/strategy; promotional material development (brochures, logos, etc.); advertising
• Information Technology: Website development; new/existing computer system analysis and development; database/information/accounting system analysis development and implementation
• Finance: Financial analysis; cash flow analysis/proformas; new product/business analysis/feasibility studies
• Accounting: Accounting systems (needs assessment, software evaluation/selection/implementation); operational and business plan budgeting; cost accounting

How the Small Business Institute (SBI) works:

Clients are identified and a Needs Assessment is conducted to determine if there is a match between the client and the capabilities of the SBI. Groups of students with specific skills and interests are formed who work in teams (typically of three to four students) with the client’s organization under the supervision of experienced faculty members toward the successful completion of the project. We provide a wide range of high-quality consulting services that are FREE to the clients.

Examples of previous clients:

• Chamber of Commerce Service Corp.
• Cherryhill Manufacturing
• Digital Solutions
• Four Footed Friends
• Global Spectrum
• Indiana County Jimmy Stewart Airport
• Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC)
• Renda Broadcasting
• UpTown Fitness
• Walnut Hill Winery

Recent SBI program awards

• 2016: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - Third place, National
• 2015: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - First place, National
• 2014: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - Third place, National
• 2013: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - Second Place, National
• 2011: Case of Year (Graduate) - Third place, National
• 2010: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - Third place, National
• 2009: Case of Year (Undergraduate) - First place, National
• 2008: Case of Year (Undergraduate, Graduate) - First place, Second place, Third place, National
• 2006: Case of Year (Undergraduate) — Third place, National
• 2005: Case of Year (Undergraduate) — Third place, National
• 2003: Case of Year (Graduate) — Second Runner-up, District
• 2002: Case of Year (Graduate) — First place, District 1
• 2001: Case of Year (Undergraduate) — First place, National
• Case of Year (Graduate) — Second place, National
• 2000: Case of Year (Undergraduate) — First place, National
• 1999: Showcase Award (National) For Outstanding SBI Program
• U.S. SBA District Director’s Award
• United Way Award Outstanding Community Service
• Case of Year Award (Undergraduate) — First place, Region
• Case of Year Award (Graduate) — First place, Region

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Eberly College of Business and Information Technology

Small Business Institute

Phone: 724-357-5760
Fax: 724-357-5743