In business 1-3 years, ready to explore growth opportunities and work on cash flow, brand value, organizational structure and more.
All SBDC consulting services are offered at no cost throughout our tri-county service territory. The list below contains services commonly offered to new businesses. Our services are tailored exclusively to your business needs; if you do not see a specific area of need listed below, please make an appointment to speak with a consultant. Expand the menus below for more information on some of our services.
Loan Packaging: The SBDC collects lender requirements for clients seeking business loans. Preparation of the client’s business financial statements, loan narratives, and other necessities required by lenders for a loan package are completed with the aid of the SBDC. One of the most valuable aspects of this service is the SBDC will shop your loan to our network partners to help you obtain the best terms and rates.
Cash Flow Management and Financial Statement Review: The SBDC consults clients on which key financial performance indicators should be measured for the longevity of the client’s business internally, against competitors, and in the market. The SBDC offers resources necessary for the client to measure, manage, and monitor the finances of his or her business and offers guidance on the operations of the business to stabilize cash flow.
Bookkeeping/Accounting: The SBDC analyzes the client’s business accounting procedures and financial condition for areas of improvement. Optimal bookkeeping procedures and standards that ensure proper financial management and legal compliance for the client’s business are then suggested.
Tax Planning: The SBDC works with the client to determine objectives and reviews the client’s tax strategy. The SBDC then helps identify incentives and rebates for the client’s business while complying with regulations. Resources and referral partners are also suggested to the client.
Merchant Services: The SBDC outlines required electronic equipment and software packages needed by the client’s business with regards to electronic transactions, such as credit or ATM cards. The SBDC also weighs cost-benefit between different merchant service providers and can also provide information on EMV chip requirements and risk management.
Contract Negotiation Assistance: The SBDC will review current or proposed client contracts to determine any legal issues or potential legal risks. Then an outline of outcomes, expectations, and requirements is developed to assist the client in working with legal counsel for the creation of business contracts.
Employer Regulations: Necessary insurance and tax requirements related to hiring employees are reviewed and shared with clients. Clients are also provided with contacts to remain updated with all employee compliance issues.
Hiring Employees: The SBDC helps clients develop a new hire checklist for all new employees, including all required documentation, as well as job descriptions, an employee manual, and a compensation outline. The SBDC will refer the client to any appropriate employee subsidy programs.
Managing Employees: The SBDC mentors clients on creating a strategic, employee plan for their business providing feedback where necessary and assuring the plan includes scheduling, professional development, and team development of employees.
Labor Laws & HR Policies: The SBDC helps clients identify values, leadership style, and employee behaviors desired for his or her business. Based on those criteria, articulated policies and procedures that address labor issues and human resources can be written for the company with guidance.
Market Research: The SBDC defines parameters for the client to segment the market and define his or her business target. Research resources are recommended that will be used to perform the research. The client is provided with a market research outline that clients use to describe his or her industry and target the right end user that will find value in the client’s offering.
Market Analysis: The SBDC directs clients in the development of a marketing strategy and execution plan based on the analysis of market segmentation and industry research. Resources that assist in designing the right marketing objective that fits the client’s business capabilities and the target market’s needs are provided. The SBDC also helps structure a feasible timeline for implementation based on factors like the product life cycle, innovation adoption lifecycle, and the client’s budget.
Strategy Planning: The SBDC focuses the client on developing a sales strategy, complete with a sales management system, measurable sales tactics, sales team responsibilities and roles, and a customer database of current customers and potential leads.
Advertising & Sales Planning : The SBDC teaches clients about the importance of cost-benefit analysis on various forms of potential promotional activities, and directs clients through the ROI evaluation of advertisements. Once strategic and cost effective activities have been selected, the SBDC helps with the development of an advertising budget and a performance evaluation strategy.
Brand Messaging: The SBDC assists clients with envisioning how consumers may value his or her brand, evaluate the purpose and meaning of the brand, and what position the brand has with respect to competitors. A strategy for brand development, customer feedback, and validation is then designed to allow clients to monitor consumer perceptions of his or her brand. Resources to implement the brand strategy are also shared with clients.
Web Development/Content Development: The SBDC consults the client on the importance of design and functional elements required for the update or creation of business websites. Resources are then also recommended to create or update the client’s business website. The SBDC works with clients to create an action plan with timelines and budgets for the completion of a robust business website.
Social Media: The SBDC consults clients on how social media outlets can be used as a push/pull strategy for promoting their business. The SBDC will recommend the best social media platforms for maximizing the client’s online presence. Clients will also learn when it may be appropriate to contract social media promotion services, the cost, the scope of service required for their business and more. The SBDC may refer recommended social media management systems or services to help drive the business’s social media promotion strategy.
Networking: The SBDC discusses the importance of networking for both personal and business growth. In regards to the client’s business, public relations strategies are suggested in an effort to increase the awareness and credibility of the business. The SBDC also defines specific network channels and tactics to increase the business network.
Trade Show Consultation: The SBDC recommends resources where clients can find key trade shows related to his or her industry and product. The SBDC also prepares clients for professional networking and sales activities for trade shows, including consulting on collateral or displays necessary, as well follow-up strategies for leads and potential partners.
