KUTZTOWN — Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to enhance their marketing efforts and increase the chances for business success, thanks to a new offering from the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KU SBDC).
The Golden Bear Visuals studio opened recently on the university campus, providing a place for small business owners, marketers and entrepreneurs to take headshots and product shots and create videography, podcasts, social media content and other products aimed at increasing business awareness.
Featuring new cameras, microphones, professional lighting, editing software and workspaces, the studio provides access to equipment that is prohibitively expensive for small business owners to purchase.
“A quality camera can cost $500 or more,” said Rachael Wolfe, director of digital media strategy and leadership development at KU SBDC. “That’s not a feasible cost for a lot of businesses.”
Meanwhile, the cost of hiring marketing professionals also can be prohibitive and does not always serve the needs of entrepreneurs.
Ernie Post, state director of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers, said small business owners are in constant need of assistance with marketing efforts that can help them attract customers.
“The greatest need of our clients is social media and getting the attention of prospective customers,” Post said. “Clients tell us that need is even greater than getting financing.”
Anyone who is registered as a client with Kutztown’s SBDC can have access to the studio at no cost, explained Grace Levy, social media strategy specialist. Clients include entrepreneurs, students and community members.
Appointments can be made to accommodate any schedule, with graduate assistants and undergraduate interns who work for KU SBDC available to help.
“This studio represents the KU SBDC’s commitment to offering no-cost services to our community,” Wolfe said. “We want to make sure everyone has the resources they need.”
The studio, located on the fifth floor of the Old Main academic building, was dedicated during a Sept. 20 ribbon cutting ceremony attended by students, SBDC staff and guests.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124th Dist.), said during the event that growing a business is an extremely challenging process, and that the state-of-the-art visual studio will provide a real benefit for owners who are working to make their businesses stand out.
“This will help entrepreneurs to be able to create marketing materials that set them apart from others,” Barton said. “I’m confident it will be a great help to businesses in our community.”
Funding for the studio was provided by the Neighborhood Assistance Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.
The KU SBDC assists start-up and existing business owners in a variety of industries, providing help in the areas of strategic planning, capital acquisition, marketing, environmental management, operations, financial management, technology and others.
Serving Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon counties, the KU SBDC has locations in Kutztown, Reading and Coatesville. A full-time staff of professionals is available to meet with entrepreneurs and business owners at no cost.
The center is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration and in part through support from Kutztown University.
To become a KU SBDC client and to be eligible for consulting services, an aspiring or current business owner can fill out an online application, available at www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/small-business-development-center.html.
A nationally accredited program, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers has a network of 15 centers throughout the state, along with outreach locations to serve businesses.
Bill Evans, chief of staff for state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th Dist.), praised the KU SBDC, saying it serves as an important tool for success for small businesses.
“The Small Business Development Center has always been there as a resource for this community,” Evans said.
