Question: We have been told that there are free resources to help business owners improve their businesses. Do you have any information on such organizations?

Answer: Several nationwide organizations offer a wide variety of free business services to inquiring companies. While we will explore the primary nationwide resources, we also encourage you to network with local universities, colleges, trade schools and chambers of commerce to learn of even more opportunities in your area.

Our list of free resources includes:

Small Business Development Center

We are strong advocates of this organization and dedicated an entire column to the SBDC in the May 2021 issue of PRO. This organization is the foundation upon which many of these other professional organizations were founded.

The SBDC is a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local centers are usually associated with a local college or university.

Their mission statement is to “deliver up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management.” The Small Business Administration website (sba.gov) gives an excellent overview of this organization.

The SBDC is a network of subcenters located at colleges and universities, as previously mentioned, but also at community colleges, vocational schools and even some chambers of commerce. There are 62 Lead Small Business Development Centers that encompass all 50 states plus U.S. territories. Including the local SBDC locations, there is a network of over 900 locations.

SBDC professionals have a vast array of knowledge and experience due to the many companies and organizations with which they work as well as their own experience as business owners.

Volunteers are also an important component of many SBDCs. Among the possible volunteers are retired executives from organizations such as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, which will be covered in detail below. Further, graduate students and other students majoring in areas such as general business, marketing, finance, business technology and other areas volunteer to gain experience in working with actual businesses rather than hypothetical situations in the classroom.

Among the many free business services they provide:

  • Business Fundamentals – Assistance in creating and updating a business plan or a business expansion plan. Business management, organization, marketing and technical assistance can be discussed and created.
  • SBA Loans – Not only can the SBDC assist in the preparation of necessary data required for filing for an SBA loan, but they often have relationships with local banks that offer SBA loans.
  • Business Registration and Government Vendor Approval – Offering guidance as to how to register, file and organize your business in your state and municipality. Since SBDCs are local, these professionals can provide exact requirements and save you research time and money. Often, larger business organizations provide only general guidelines and information since they are national in scope.

Knowledge of governmental programs and protocols can also assist PROs in becoming approved to sell to the government and to qualify as a provider of portable sanitation for disaster assistance.

  • Business Certification Programs – SBDCs are knowledgeable as to the requirements for various business certification programs that can be a competitive advantage in working with some governmental agencies. Women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned certifications can be discussed and the SBDC can assist in the application process.

How do you find a local SBDC?

As previously described, SBDCs are usually affiliated with local colleges and universities. To find the local SBDC locations near you, go to sba.gov then “Find Nearest SBDC by ZIP Code.” Contact the office at the location that is the most convenient and set up an introductory appointment. Whether you have a specific need or are merely inquiring about a general topic, your qualified professional will be eager to assist.

Finally, if you have any further questions, the SBA has an “Answer Desk” at 800-8-ASK-SBA (800-827-5722). Their hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. A live person will greet you and help you.

Service Corps of Retired Business Executives

Founded in 1964, this organization is also funded and overseen by the SBA. SCORE specializes in long-term personal mentoring and has more than 10,000 volunteers. This organization has served over 17 million clients over the last 60 years.

SCORE volunteers are experienced executives, entrepreneurs, business owners and industry experts who can offer advice in-person or virtually. Volunteers are organized in local chapters.

SCORE offers many beneficial services such as:

  • Webinars
  • Online workshops
  • Training
  • Courses on demand
  • Library

This organization follows five steps in the mentoring process:

  1. Identify Your Need – Support is available at any stage of the business cycle from startup to growth to diversification of the business to preparing to exit the business.
  2. Request a Mentor – Search online at score.com by your local zip code to find mentors in your area. Browse the mentors’ profiles and select one that appeals to you. Contact will be made within 48 hours to schedule an initial meeting.
  3. Schedule – Once a mentor is selected, work together to schedule follow-up meetings.
  4. Set Goals – Define the objectives and set a timeline to follow up, discuss and measure progress.
  5. Advance – Set new goals once the initial objectives have been attained.

SCORE Academy

This client benefit allows for live and on-demand webinars and self-paced courses to further expand one’s knowledge base. Opportunities are available to learn at your own pace or with others. Information on the academy can be found at academy.score.com.

Contact SCORE directly at 800-634-0295 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with any further questions.

SBA Women’s Business Centers

The SBA supports WBCs throughout the United States. With the goal of “leveling the playing field,” these organizations work with women entrepreneurs to start, expand and improve their businesses. WBCs can help clients to become a certified woman-owned business through various programs such as Women-Owned Small Business for federal contracts and Women’s Business Enterprise for private-sector diversity programs.

A national network of centers is available and you can find local assistance through the WBC website at sba.gov/wbc.

Minority Business Development Agency

This organization’s mission is “to promote the growth and global competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises in order to unlock the country’s full economic potential.” MBDA can assist clients with greater access to capital and expanding contract opportunities. As with all the organizations previously discussed, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. This website is mbda.gov

Veterans Business Outreach Centers

The SBA also sponsors and promotes this program which is geared to assist veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses in starting, purchasing, growing or expanding a business. This nationwide organization has 10 regional offices and 31 centers throughout the country. The website is vboc.org and additional information is also available at the SBA website.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Countless free resources are available for PROs and we highly recommend taking advantage of the many opportunities to learn from and share with others. Experience is the best teacher and learning from others’ experiences and knowledge will further improve your company. Your tax dollars have been paying for this governmental service every year, so take advantage of this opportunity!

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