First Friday Scranton offers another great way to learn more about the Electric City. First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of each month (except January) at businesses and galleries around the downtown area.

MetroAction is proud to support the downtown arts initiative through Business Development Administrator Christina Hitchcock’s participation on the First Friday board. A map is published each month on www.firstfridayscranton.com in the days before the event with a full list of participating artists and venues.

While attending school, students may feel uncertainty about what awaits them after graduation.Once students graduate, they may consider going into business for themselves. Schools can offer the best training and guidance to students in their specific areas of study. However, once a student is in the workforce, they may lack the business training needed to capitalize on their profession. Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing a business organization is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting your own company. It is, therefore, imperative that you understand the rules and regulations that are exclusive to each specific entity. It is also important that you clearly define every aspect of your business. By doing this you ensure that you will pick the correct business organization for your company. Read the rest of this entry »

At today’s final SBI session, the class had the opportunity to participate in an engaging panel discussion with other small business owners, reps from the SBA, SBDC and SCORE and business lenders. Read the rest of this entry »

MetroAction recently provided $41,000 in financing to two area small businesses. Read the rest of this entry »

Pennsylvania Paper and Supply Company, in business since 1922, has restored its landmark tower, which is the opening shot of the NBC comedy series, “the office”. The now famous tower was constructed in 1882.  The original building was located on Lackawanna Avenue. Right now the company is in its 3rd generation of ownership.  Douglas Fink serves as the current CEO-President for the 140 employees that work within the organization.

The building in which the tower stands is comprised of two adjacent buildings. The tall brick building used to be a locomotive shop, Dickson Works and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The other building was previously the Quackenbush warehouse. Read the rest of this entry »

On November 13, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Philadelphia District Office commemorated the continued growth of MetroAction’s microloan program.  At the ceremony, SBA Philadelphia District Director David Dickson presented a ceremonial check to MetroAction representatives.

“We are really excited about the continued growth of MetroAction’s SBA-funded microloan program,” said Dickson.  “In this type of an economic climate, small business owners need access to capital to start their businesses and keep them growing.  SBA programs like the microloan program help keep those lifelines open and I am happy that MetroAction is a part of these efforts.” Read the rest of this entry »

On Wednesday, December 3, MetroAction will hold a “Trends In Human Resources Management” panel discussion.  The program will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 222 Mulberry Street, Scranton.

Don Ryan, president of The Ryan Group, Waverly will moderate the panel discussion.  Panelists include:

• Bill Nish, Times Shamrock Communications
• Attorney Sal Savatteri, Savatteri Law Firm
• Bill Wallick, University of Scranton
• Jim Yannopoulos, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Read the rest of this entry »

During our last Small Business Institute class, we discussed the importance of cash flow projections as a tool for business management.  We discussed how a business owner would go about determining the figures in their projections and what the results of the projections actually mean.

Ruth Hughes, Director of the Wilkes University SBDC, provided two templates that can be used to develop cash flow projections or pro formas.  The first version is for one year of projections and the second version contains two years of projections.   You must have Microsoft Excel to use these templates. Read the rest of this entry »

In October, MetroAction recognized the NEPA Miners by presenting them with the Small Business Spotlight Award, sponsored by First Liberty Bank and Trust. This award recognizes a local small business for their contributions to the community.

The NEPA Miners is a family run business owned and operated by Dan and Michele LaMagna. The NEPA Miners family consists of over 70 volunteers made up of management, coaches, players, cheerleaders, booster club members and interns.

The NEPA Miners Football & Entertainment organization is proud to serve northeastern Pennsylvania with year round community service while providing quality entertainment during their football season. Read the rest of this entry »