2018 – Small Business Development Centers are a great resource for small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups. Best of all, they are FREE.
Example: The Florida SBDC at USF can help make things seem less daunting, through its low-cost Start-Up Series. After working with thousands of business owners each year, we’ve put together six courses that make up the critical business foundation all entrepreneurs need to know before starting a business. The series will take you through determining feasibility and legal structures, developing financial projections, obtaining a loan, accounting and bookkeeping processes, and attracting customers.
You’ll learn from business consultants who are backed by the Small Business Administration, USF Muma College of Business, and the National Association of SBDCs. In addition, the Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance.
Confidential, no-cost consulting is available to all entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. Consulting expertise focuses on areas vital to accelerating business growth, such as:
- Business planning
- Financing
- Marketing strategies
- Government contracting
- International trade
- Financial analysis and capital access
- Business certifications
- Market and revenue growth strategies
The SBDC website also has useful articles covering many business topics such as business plans, writing press releases, bidding for government contracts, marketing, finance, social media, and more. Just do a Google search for “small business development center in Tampa”, or whatever city you are in, to find the local website and office. Frequently, SBDCs invite local consultants and specialists to give free or low-cost talks at their centers.
SBDCs help you if you are starting a new business and if you already have a business. They provide help for women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Live training courses are offered, usually with a fee of $15 to $60, and $199 for a series.
Note: To view ongoing business posts by Marketdata’s President and Research Director, John LaRosa, and to learn about our various market & industry reports, and to obtain free Press Releases, visit marketdataenterprises.com, or email: john@marketdataenterprises.com.