Story by Abby Ryan
Courtesy Photo
Providing entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge they need.
Forty-five years strong, Lehigh’s SBDC has been continually helping local businesses thrive.
In 1980, when Lehigh’s Small Business Development Center opened its doors, it was unlike anything else in the region. Launched nationally under President Jimmy Carter, the SBDC program gave small business owners expert advice without the price tag of expensive consultants. In the Lehigh Valley, the center quickly became a steady presence, offering cost-free, confidential guidance.
“From the beginning, we’ve been here for anyone with an idea or a plan to grow,” says director Brett Smith. “We provide professional and reputable knowledge and resources, to help navigate the complexities of running a business.”
Over 45 years, the SBDC has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them turn ideas into plans and plans into businesses. Some came with just a concept in mind. Others were ready to expand, explore new markets, or pursue government contracts. The Lehigh SBDC is the only center in Pennsylvania to offer traditional, procurement and export services all in one place.
The center has been a strong presence in challenging times. In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for help surged, and the SBDC worked with more clients than ever. Two years later, it was named Pennsylvania’s SBDC of the Year. The center also leads the Lehigh Valley Meet the Buyers Expo, the region’s largest local sourcing event, which connects local businesses with suppliers and opportunities.
But for Smith, it’s the stories behind the numbers that matter most. He remembers a veteran who came in hoping to break into government contracting. With guidance from the center, the business earned certification and, within a year, landed more than $1 million in contracts. Local restaurants, breweries and shops tell similar stories of growth and resilience.
“The most rewarding part of my job is driving down the street and seeing how businesses we’ve worked with are thriving,” Smith says. “Knowing we had a part in that success is what it’s all about.”
Smith first connected with the SBDC in 2012 while finishing his MBA at Lehigh. What began as a student project quickly evolved into a career. By 2019, he was named director of the center. Smith’s background in community banking and his many years of consulting experience have helped him guide business owners through everything from financing to operations.
Looking ahead, Smith sees both challenges and opportunities. Competing with big-box retailers and navigating tariffs can be tough, but technology and AI give small business owners tools to simplify operations and focus on what matters most.
“Small business owners have to wear every hat,” he says. “These tools will help them focus on what they do best.”
Beyond helping businesses, the center gives Lehigh undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience, showing them what it takes to start and grow a business.
Forty-five years in, the SBDC remains a hub for local businesses, guiding them through change and growth. As Smith points out, every thriving storefront, new contract and success story is evidence that the work of the SBDC to assist emerging businesses is far from over.