An expanded partnership between the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry and Gannon University will bring no cost in-person business consulting services into the county.

John Papalia, director of operations with WCCBI, said the idea came out of a conversation with city officials — people often come to both the chamber and the city seeking business guidance.

“We work with the Gannon Small Business Development Center and refer people to them a lot,” he said, calling them a “great partner.”

That partnership will now bring SBDC staff to Warren the third Tuesday of each month.

Papalia said they will be to meet by appointment with people at the Innovault Coworking space at the corner of Liberty St. and Second Ave.

“They do a lot of wonderful work,” he said of the SBDC, ranging from start-up assistance to projections and business planning. “Their services are free (and are) really beneficial for someone looking to start up or grow and expand.”

And that’s been something that is happening more and more in our community.

“We’ve seen a good number of individuals looking to start or grow their business, especially over the last year or two,” he added.

SBDC staff will be available for one-hour appointments when they’re here.

“We here at the chamber are going to be the avenue for people to connect with,” Papalia said. “We’ll do the scheduling…. I anticipate a good turnout. I think we’ll fill that schedule up most months.”

One benefit of this arrangement is that it will speed up the process of an entrepreneur connecting with the SBDC.

“It’s a natural partnership,” Papalia said. “What we’re trying to do here, in our line of work relationships are everything. The main goal of the chamber is to be able to get people connected to the right sources.

“It’ll be nice to have a presence here,” he added.

Anyone looking to schedule can call the WCCBI or email Papalia directly at jpapalia@wccbi.org.