SBDC gains new director
January 22, 2014
Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center – SMDC – has announced Margaret Horne as the new director.
The SBDC helps companies to start, grow and prosper, Horne said.
“We provide assistance with business-plan development, financial projection, marketing and sales, along with other consulting needs,” Horne said.
Prior to assuming her new position, she worked in the SBDC office for Mercer County as a business consultant for 6 ½ years and then the manager of business consulting from November 2012 until September 2013, when she got promoted to director.
Horne says she sees challenges as opportunities to move forward in a positive manner.
“I will be focusing on marketing including the development of a new website and the use of social media,” Horne said.
Jeff Corcoran, former SBDC director, left the university in July 2013. Horne worked with Corcoran at the center prior to his departure.
Horne worked in a private practice as a business valuation and strategic planning consultant for roughly 15 years.
“I have the desire to enter the education industry,” Horne said. “The SBDC had a position opening in Mercer County and it was the right blend of consulting and education I had been looking for.”
Horne said she will have opportunities for students to work with the center on a consistent basis utilizing student projects.
SBDC will be moving to 900 State St. and Horne would like to reach 90 percent paperless preceding the move.
The university’s SBDC is one of 18 Small Business Development Centers in Pennsylvania and is an accredited affiliate of the national network of Small Business Development Centers.
The SBDC offer services free of charge and can consult in numerous areas such as accounting, management, public relations, strategic planning and franchising.
“The first and foremost goal for the center is to be the known resource for small businesses in our community,” Horne said.
“We will be involved with our economic development partners at all levels to provide assistance to our clients.”
COLLEEN LANGHAM
