HARRISBURG, NOV. 24, 2008 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced that the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is now offering monthly office hours at his Kennedy Township Office to serve local small business owners. 

“I am pleased that Pitt has decided to provide this service to small businesses and entrepreneurs in my legislative district,” said Fontana. “Small business owners place a high value on time available to them.  Greater accessibility to this resource saves them time otherwise spent traveling to and from downtown Pittsburgh.”

A representative from the Pitt SBDC will be available at Sen. Fontana’s Kennedy Township office, located at Kenmawr Plaza, 524 Pine Hollow Road, Kennedy Township, PA 15136, on Dec. 16, Jan. 6, Feb. 10, and March 17.

Consultants from SBDC assist entrepreneurs in developing planning strategies, management techniques and financial skills that are necessary for maintaining a thriving business. The one-on-one consulting service is provided at no cost to the public.

“The consulting process plays an integral role in ensuring the long-term success of small businesses and economic strength in our region,” Fontana said. “I hope that business people in the District take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The SBDC operates within the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.