Scranton Tomorrow Make Downtown Scranton the Place to “Bee”

Downtown Scranton is buzzin’ with business this fall!
Fall Into Downtown Scranton, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, features promotions throughout the month of October encouraging everyone to support local. Our theme, “The Good of the Hive,” is creating quite a buzz as we celebrate the installation of our latest Downtown mural, which is part of artist Matt Willey’s international “The Good of the Hive” project.   When you shop and dine in Downtown Scranton, you help to create a healthy economy for everyone in your colony — family, neighbors and friends. We think that’s pretty sweet!
Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week, October 12 to 15

Restaurants, pubs and cafés infuse honey into special dishes and signature drinks as part of Honey & Harvest Restaurant Week, October 12 to 15, in Downtown Scranton:

16th Ward
AV Restaurant & Lounge
Bar Pazzo
Catch21 Seafood and Steak
Chef Von & Mom
The Garden Restaurant
Peculiar Kitchen
Sambuca Italian Grille & Bar
Tequila Mexican Bar & Grille
Make a beeline to Downtown Scranton for fall fashion

Time to update your wardrobe? Boutiques and salons in Downtown Scranton have the latest fall styles, and plenty of options to shop your way: in store, online, curbside pickup and delivery. For a list of Downtown retailers and salons, visit our Downtown Scranton Shopping Guide.
International muralist Matthew Willey paints in Downtown Scranton
Scranton Tomorrow’s Mural Arts Program continues with the installation of a mural honoring honeybees on the Scranton Civic Ballet Company building, Rear 234 Mifflin Avenue, Downtown Scranton. The mural is part of artist Matthew Willey’s global art project, The Good of the Hive.
 
This project is made possible with support from the Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, Lackawanna County Commissioners, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, The University of Scranton, Space Time Mead and Cider Works, Terrana Law Firm, and Lackawanna College.
‘The Good of the Hive’ master class and lecture
Artist Matthew Willey will present a master class and lecture, “The Good of the Hive,” on Friday, October 14, at 6 p.m., in the theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine Street, Downtown Scranton. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first-served. Lackawanna College is the academic sponsor of this event. Photo by Dani Case thegoodofthehive.com

October Events Planned at the University of Scranton

Oct. 1     9 a.m. Scranton’s Ready to Run Northeast Pennsylvania Program: “Wanted: More Women Like You in Politics.” Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6326 or email sharon.olechna@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 5     6 p.m. Asian Studies Public Lecture and Meet the Award-winning Author “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 1. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 6     6 p.m. Asian Studies Film Screening and Meet the Award-winning Director of “The Good Daughter.” “Life on the Move: Transnational Migration and Cross-Cultural Imagination in Taiwan Literature and Film,” Part 2. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free, Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 7 through Nov. 18  Art Exhibit: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” photographs by Byron Maldonado. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 7     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Mayan Narratives: San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala” presented by Byron Maldonado. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 12     1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Career Opportunities in the Changing Workplace” with panel moderator Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. 

Oct. 12     7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “On Juneteenth” presented by Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 13     Noon.Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Threats to Equity: The Influence of Social Determinants on Human Behaviors that Promote Well-being” presented Julie Byerley, MD, president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu

Oct. 15     2 p.m. Art Gallery: “Walking Tour: Scranton Lace Company/Lace Village Site.” Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu

Oct. 15     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Andrew Gonzalez, viola and violincello da spalla. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 19     1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “Embedding Deia: A Cultural-Shift for Business, Communities, and You!” Speakers Hattie McCarter, MS, CRC; CEO of M.E.N.D. Consulting Solutions and certified DEI professional and Stephanie Perry, MSW, LSW DEI consultant. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. 

Oct. 21-23 and 28-30     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Almost, Maine” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu

Oct. 23     9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 23     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Oct. 26     1 p.m. The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Virtual Speaker Series: “A Framework for Community Engagement: A Pathway to Employment” with speakers Cayte Anderson, Ph.D., and Emily Brinck, Ph.D., both are researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, VRTAC-QE. Presented by the J. A. Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment. Free. Visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference. Call 570-941-7401. 

Oct. 29     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and guest drummer Carmen Intorre Jr. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu

Scranton SBDC Webinars


Gear Up for Financing: What Do I Need to Prepare? (Webinar)

Wednesday, 9/21/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3ueM5mCM9

The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business.

Session one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will help you evaluate:

  • What knowledge you’ll need
  • Decisions to consider
  • How timing and fit of loan to use come into play

Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, planning for success should start early, and applying for capital requires documentation, often including financial projections and a business plan, and more. This session will also supply some insight into best practices on the financial side of your business and how the SBDC can help you.

“What Do I Need to Prepare?” is the first in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778 

The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)
Thursday, 9/22/22 ● 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm   
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29703
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1XdWkJTD5 

Have you always had a dream to start your own business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Attend our First Step Express webinar!

A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at:

  • Applications and licenses needed to start a business 
  • Different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)
  • Business plan basics
  • Financing options
  • SBDC Services available as you start your business

All pre-venture clients are encouraged to attend this course or a similar program, or complete pre-venture materials to prepare for the engagement, prior to being assigned to a consultant for one-on-one assistance.


How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Really Work (Webinar)
Tuesday, 9/27/22 ● 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29706
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2UpvPQlck

You have an idea for a new business but are wondering where to start. Is the idea worth pursuing? How can you tell if it is or isn’t?

This session will get you thinking about your motivation for starting a business by walking you through simple steps that will help you determine if the idea is feasible.

Steps covered will include:

  • Considering Your Business Ideas (What type of business do you want to start?)
  • Assess Your Resources (How much will this endeavor cost, both financially and in time spent?)
  • Review Industry Regulations (Every industry has them!)
  • Define Your Target Market (Who are you going to sell to? Hint – it’s not everyone!)
  • Identify Your Competitive Advantage (What do you have to offer that your competitors don’t?)
  • Write a Business Plan (Yes, it is important!)

Gear Up for Financing: What Are My Funding Options? (Webinar)
Wednesday, 9/28/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2c3AVgkPr

The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business.

Now that you know what to gather and work on and know what lenders are looking for, it’s time to take a look at what financing options are available to your small business. Session two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will go over some opportunities, such as:

  • Your own funds
  • Friends and family
  • Banks or credit unions
  • Microloans
  • Finance companies
  • And more

Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome!

“What Are My Funding Options?”
is the second in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777

Making the World Your Market: Considerations for Going Global (Webinar)
Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29702
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2R63TyLFK

The world seems to be getting smaller. Doing business internationally is one strategy for business growth. Is it right for your business?

Before companies decide to expand to other markets, they need to analyze and test the viability of those markets and develop an internationalization strategy that will contribute to their growth. Going global opens up many new opportunities and potential markets, as well as some potential hurdles.

Learn the why, where, what, when, and how to bring your company into the international arena and more with presenter Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant and SBA-Certified Export & Trade Counselor, Duquesne University SBDC.

Additional presenters will include:

  • Deborah Langan, Senior International Business Manager, NEPA Alliance
  • Joe Burke, Avoca Strategies (Export Experiences and Examples)
  • Nasim Sadr-Fala, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Philadelphia
  • Edward A. Schick, Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration

There will also be time for questions and answers.

The University of Scranton SBDC, Duquesne University SBDC, and the Pennsylvania SBDC are partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia and SBA Export Financing to bring you this Pennsylvania Regional Exporting Network event.

30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Research (Webinar)
Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29745
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Kh2ZodSW

What is search engine optimization, or SEO? Often it’s about making slight modifications to terms used on your website to increase traffic from search engines like Google. Are you using vocabulary that is commonly known or too niche? Are you including your location? In this session, we will show you how to use the most effective keywords for your small business, how to use location-based terms to increase traffic, as well as some tools that will help you in this process.

“Keyword Research” is part one in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here:

Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging 

Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking

Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results

30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Small Business Blogging (Webinar)
Thursday, 10/13/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29746
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2fvan31u7

Why is blogging important to a small business? Search engines favor recent information, so regular blog updates increase the likelihood of your information being seen. We will discuss this blogging, how it can be done easily, and how to enrich your posts with keywords to get more traction.

“Small Business Blogging” is part two in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here:

Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research

Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking

Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results

30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Backlinking (Webinar)
Thursday, 10/20/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29747
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3yA2rHRIT


What is backlinking? A backlink is a link that is created when one website links to another, for instance when your Google profile links to your small business website. The more sites that link to your page give your website relevance in search engines. In this session, we will discuss creating your brand online and the benefit of using the same information on all profiles, from social media to chambers of commerce to sites like Google and Yelp.

“Backlinking” is part three in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here:

Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research

Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging

Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results

30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)
Thursday, 10/27/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29749
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Sz4OOaGY

You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business.

“Measuring Results” is part four in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here:

Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research

Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging

Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking