Before she was born, Lisa M. Hall’s parents opened Hall’s Auto Parts, a Wayne County automotive repair business that’s still operating. So when it was time to find a job herself, she knew she wanted to do something that would help small businesses succeed.
She got her chance about three years ago when she started working as a business consultant at the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center. Now she’s settling into her new role as director of the center, replacing Elaine Tweedy, who retired after leading the center since 1989.
Hall says the center has done an excellent job serving small businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania and hopes to continue that. “When I see the work that goes on here, it’s really inspiring,” Hall says.
Today’s entrepreneurs have to cope with new challenges such as keeping up with environmental regulations and learning how to use social media to reach out to customers, she adds.
She’d especially like to offer more programs through the Women’s Business Center, a partnership between the SBDC and the university’s Kania School of Management. As part of this initiative, business students conduct special projects with female entrepreneurs, such as studying a new business’ possible competitors. Hall also wants to expand offerings through the SBDC’s agribusiness and food program, which works with small businesses in that sector.
Source: Lisa M. Hall, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen