Bucknell SBDC, Students Offer Free Websites to Susquehanna Valley Businesses

Bucknell University's Small Business Development Center is partnering with Bucknell students this spring to design and build basic websites at no cost for selected Susquehanna Valley small businesses. The program aims to give local firms a functional, easy-to-edit web presence by the end of April, helping businesses reach customers and strengthen digital marketing capability.

Participating businesses will work directly with student teams over the semester. Projects are structured so businesses take ownership of the finished site, allowing owners or staff to update content and manage the site after the term ends. Space is limited, and interested businesses must apply by January 31, 2026; application details were provided in the announcement about the program.

The opportunity targets businesses across the Susquehanna Valley, including the Lewisburg area, where many small merchants, service providers, and nonprofit organizations face challenges keeping pace with online marketing. For Union County operators who lack an existing website or rely solely on social media, a dedicated website can improve searchability, provide clearer hours and contact information, and create a platform for online ordering or appointment booking when needed.

From an economic perspective, the program addresses a common barrier for small enterprises: the upfront cost of website development and the technical know-how to maintain and update content. By delivering no-cost sites and transferring ownership, Bucknell SBDC reduces initial capital barriers and builds local capacity for digital marketing. The student involvement also provides hands-on learning and connects campus resources with community needs, reinforcing local ties and workforce development.

The timeline is pragmatic. Student teams will collaborate with business owners during the spring semester, with completed, editable sites expected by the end of April. Because availability is limited, business owners who are interested should prepare basic assets before applying, such as logos, hours of operation, product or service descriptions, and representative photos, to make the most of the semester-long collaboration.

For Union County residents, the program could mean improved online access to local goods and services, clearer information for visitors, and stronger digital storefronts for businesses that rely on seasonal traffic. Over the longer term, wider adoption of basic websites can help local firms compete regionally and adapt to shifting consumer habits that favor online discovery and transactions.

What comes next is selection and pairing: Bucknell SBDC and student teams will review applications and assign projects for the spring term, with finished sites handed over by the end of April. Small-business owners interested in participating should apply by January 31, 2026, and be ready to engage with student teams throughout the semester to shape a website that reflects their business and community.