Finding Solutions for Growing Businesses
WHO CAN HELP
Just as you may need to hire employees to perform certain jobs for you, you may also need to use external resources and experts in starting your business. Many of the services available to you are free, others may be fee-based.
MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (MI-SBDC) NETWORK
The Michigan SBDC Network is a network of more than 40 counseling and service centers located throughout the state for the purpose of providing no charge management and technical assistance to Michigan's present and future small business owners. The SBDC program links the resources of federal, state and local governments with those of colleges, universities and the private sector to produce practical solutions to business problems.
Specifically, the SBDC network is designed to:
- Provide practical one-to-one counseling to small businesses
- Offer educational programs tailored to the needs and interests of entrepreneurs
- Conduct conferences and workshops on topics of value to small business owners for a nominal fee
- Provide special assistance for businesses interested in exporting, acquiring marketable technologies,
receiving research and development funds, and determining the market feasibility of inventions
- Help women, minorities, veterans, handicappers and other groups with special needs transcend obstacles and build successful businesses.
Funded by the US. Small Business Administration and other public and private sector sponsors, the centers provide a broad range of specialized services, including help with:
- Business plans
- Problem solving
- Access to financing
- Marketing strategies
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Human resource issues
- Inventory control
Any small business owner or person interested in starting a business in Michigan may request assistance from a certified MI-SBDC counselor. For the location of the SBDC office nearest you call (313)964-1798.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Your local chamber of commerce can be a valuable source of sales leads, information concerning local ordinances, demographics and other data helpful in the operation of your business.
PUBLIC AND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Your public library can be a wealth of information as well. The reference section of most libraries includes specialized periodicals concerning various industries, textbooks concerning marketing and financial statements, industry overviews, demographics and other useful materials.
PROFESSIONALS
Some types of services can only be performed by a professional, whether by law (only a licensed insurance agent can sell insurance) or by definition (only a CPA can prepare an audited financial statement). Fees paid to a professional frequently pay for themselves in the long run, whether because of the liability, which is reduced or avoided, or because the quality of the service provided measurably increases the success of the business. The professionals most commonly used by small business owners are CPA's, attorneys, and insurance agents.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Trade associations are frequently an excellent source of information concerning what's happening in your industry and what special challenges you may face. If you're not aware of a trade association for your particular industry, check the "Encyclopedia of Associations" available at the reference section of most public libraries.
BANKS
Bankers can provide you with a great deal of information on topics ranging from general statistics relating to small businesses to financial services and techniques which can assist you in the management of your business. There are many specialized financial services which can help you manage your business, with which you may not be familiar. A good banker can help you analyze your financial needs and identify services and resources (both within the bank and outside it) which can fill those needs. For more information concerning financial services and other small business rescues, please call 1-800-292-1300.
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