Jumpstart Your Business with SBDCs and WBCs
As a small business owner, there are bound to be times when you have questions and aren't exactly sure where to find the answers. There's also bound to be times when you aren't certain what the right questions even are. What is a business plan, and why might you need one? What kind of security measures do you need to take for your business? How should you set your prices? Is it better to lease or buy your equipment for your office? How can you get financing?
Who can help you answer your questions??!?
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are organizations set up around the US to provide assistance to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Hosted by universities and state economic development agencies, there are over 1800 SBDCs which are funded in part through the Small Business Administration.
Simply visit the SBA's local assistance page and find your state in the dropdown box. You can find links to various resource partners and SBDCs around your state. Massachusetts, for example, has 7 SBDCs listed. You'll also find local events throughout the state.
Business resources women entrepreneurs
Women business owners may face unique problems, such as discrimination or difficulty getting access to capital. The SBA's Women's Business Centers (WBCs) offer a range of services which can help women entrepreneurs. There are nearly 100 WBCs in the US and its territories.
Once you've located a WBC site, you can often find:
- free and low-cost training programs
- marketing assistance
- one-on-one counseling
- help in getting special certifications
- access to banks and micro-lenders
- classes on doing business with local, state and the federal government
Starting your business or taking it to the next level doesn't mean you have to go it alone. There are resources out there to help you, many only a few keystrokes away.