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Indiana Small Business Development Center can assist
you with critical business development issues. The SBDC network has
counselors and specialists with a myraid of expertise and knowledge.
Clients will be guided through work scopes that may include: management,
marketing, finance and strategic planning that is available throughout
the Bay Area.
SBDC service centers can also provide up-to-the-minute
research services for counseling clients as well as funding information
for new and existing businesses
All counseling is confidential and most counseling
services are free.
Gain the knowledge needed
to make your business excel by attending our training classes held throughout
our training network. Classes are offered in specialized subjects for
experienced entrepreneurs as well as in management basics when considering
a new business venture.
Indiana Small Business Development
Center offers business planning classes for start-up and existing
businesses based on NxLevel curriculum. These planning classes are offered
at:
Indiana Small Business Development Center
Inventrek Technology Park
700 E. Firmin St., Suite 106
Kokomo, IN 46902
Ph: 765.454.7922
· Offered to existing business owners, as well as to those just
getting started.
· Provided free-of-charge, in person and available locally. See
schedule below.
· Needs assessment conducted for all clients, along with a plan
for addressing your specific issues.
· Seminars, Conferences & Workshops
· Workshops and conferences geared to the specific needs of small
business owners.
· Low-cost programs covering core business topics as well as
current trends.
· Seminars tailored to meet the diverse needs of business owners
in both metropolitan and non-urban areas.
Starting and operating a business can be one of life's
most rewarding and exciting adventures. But operating a business, large
or small, is no simple task. It requires long hours of hard work, careful
preparation, and detailed planning -- not to mention financial resources.
This web site has been prepared in an effort to assist
you in the process of starting a business. It is designed to acquaint
you with the problems and responsibilities, as well as the opportunities
involved. Best wishes in your venture!
If you already own your own business, you are familiar with the many
facets of running a successful organization. As your business expands,
you will be faced with many new challenges and opportunities. In this
area of our site, we touch on the hot buttons of owning your business,
including management, human resources, strategic planning and operations,
to name just a few. You have worked hard to get where you are and we
can help you as your journey continues.
Take a moment to read through what
we have to offer - you won't be disappointed. If you want to grow your
company, you've come to the right place. Even if we don't have answers
to all of your questions, we can certainly connect you with organizations
and people who will. Many of our services are free, and we can give
you the information you need to take your venture to the next level.
We are delighted to learn that you are interested in starting your own
small business. We are looking forward to helping you. Over the
years, we have spent considerable time with prospective small business
owners and have certainly learned from that experience. We thought you
might like to read a little about what that experience has taught us.
· It is essential that you develop a business plan as
a roadmap for your business.
· Be prepared to work 60-80 hours per week in your business with
little or no compensation—especially in the beginning. You may
have to survive without receiving any kind of a paycheck while the business
gets off the ground.
· You must be an expert in your business. This is not something
that can be delegated. Make sure you have the skills you need and the
courage to admit what areas will require assistance.
· Trying to “buy” yourself a job rather than possessing
the “burning desire” of a true entrepreneur may not provide
the motivation you really need as you start and grow your business.
· If you are not a decision maker, starting a small business
could be even more overwhelming. Make sure you are willing to be the
“top dog.”
· If a business owner has a spouse who is not supportive of the
venture, it could easily fail. Know this before you start.
· Be a self-starter. Be motivated. You will be the only one you
can count on to get yourself going in the morning!
· Research all your start-up costs—we want to avoid surprises.
If you want to borrow money, a good personal credit history is absolutely
essential.
· Unless you are involved in research and development (and even
these are few and far between), there are no grants available for starting
a business.
· Lenders will expect you to be able to contribute 10-30% of
the requested loan amount from your personal resources.
· Using your home as collateral is almost always required when
seeking funding.
· Develop a system that allows you to keep complete and accurate
records. If this is not your “thing,” make sure you plan
for someone who has the expertise to perform this function.
· Learn how to analyze your financial statements and use them
as a management tool as they will be invaluable in running your business
more effectively.
· Make sure you know your product’s or service’s
USP (unique selling proposition)—it’s point of differentiation.
This means your product or service must be unique in some way. It is
necessary if you are to target your customers and better communicate
the reasons to buy.
· Demonstrate a clear need/desire for your product/service.
· Define a target market large enough to support the business
and your personal financials goals. Know their wants/needs and understand
how best to reach them.
· Know who your competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.
This all may seem overwhelming--and to be honest, it is! But the SBDC
is here to assist you through workshops, mentoring/advising, software
resources, reference materials, etc. There is no reason to go it alone.
Experienced counselors are available to help you work out the issues
you face and partnerships with local colleges/universities as well as
a strong resource network allow us to offer services that will greatly
enhance your ability to succeed.
Thank you for allowing us assist you
in realizing your dream!
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