Success Story: Corrections Consultants

Corrections Consultants, LLC is a woman owned new company built on over 30 years of experience in a variety of corrections roles including jails, correctional facilities, and community corrections. Founded by Karen Byerly Nicholson, Corrections Consultants was formed after recognizing how difficult it is for Federal, State, County, and private corrections facilities throughout the United States to access experienced staff and expertise in corrections.

Nicholson reached out to the Bucknell SBDC for assistance with Business Planning for her new startup company.  Oversight was provided in website development, marketing materials, and brand awareness. Additionally, the SBDC provided in-depth industry research as well as a competitive analysis.  Karen was referred to the SEDA COG Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) by the Bucknell SBDC.   The SEDA COG PTAC provided technical assistance on the state and federal vendor registration process in the PA Supplier Portal and the System for Award Management.   Additional assistance was provided on how to develop a capabilities statement, and how to do business with the following states: Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and New Jersey.  SEDA COG PTAC staff also provided information on how to complete Woman Business Certification with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).  The company is also utilizing the bid matching service which searches over 2,200 different websites for open bids.

In early December 2018, the Bucknell SBDC and SEDA COG’s PTAC was able to celebrate the launch of this new business with partners from The Central PA Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, PA State Representative Fred Keller, Union County Commissioner John Showers, and Lewisburg Mayor Judy Wagner.

Corrections Consultants, LLC will provide expertise for performing audits and assessments of current practices, as well as staff training to remediate any problems that may be found. Correctional Consultants will also assist facilities in adapting to or adopting contemporary correctional practices by providing services such as short- and long-term training or “training for the trainer.”