Where can I get help for my small business?
Whether you’re a start-up or have been in business for years, there is lots of help available for your small business.
The government’s Small Business Administration is a good starting place.
What SBA Offers:
To Help Small Businesses Grow
The programs offered are many and varied, and the qualifications for each are specific. The SBA can help facilitate a loan for you with a third party lender, guarantee a bond, or help you find venture capital. The first step toward receiving assistance is understanding how the SBA works. Their role is to provide a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses, each specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including: debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.
To Help Start a Business
Starting a business is an exciting proposition, but it can also be an incredibly challenging undertaking as well. One of the first decisions you will need to make is the type of business you will open. Before making that decision, you’ll want to explore all the opportunities that are available, like a home-based or online business for instance.
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. If you know what kind of business you want to start, the SBA website offers a list 10 easy steps to help you plan, prepare and launch your business.
SCORE is another good resource for businesses.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. It offers the nation’s largest, network of free, expert business mentors.
If you’re just starting a business, SCORE’s business experienced mentors can provide the practical action plan, education and the tools you need to open your doors and establish a customer base. If you already own a business, SCORE‘s volunteer mentors can help you identify ways to increase profit, improve employee and customer satisfaction, and achieve work/life balance as well.
With SCORE, you can have the honest, confidential and sometimes tough conversations about managing money, motivating your team, and other business topics. They can be your confidant, your cheerleader and your accountability coach on your path to achieving business success.
Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) also provide No-Cost Consulting and Low-Cost Training services to new and existing businesses. They, too, are designed for all stages of business development, and offer themed workshops ranging from transforming ideas into business plans, to developing growth strategies for existing businesses. Serving all of Maryland, each region provides a path for support and development of small businesses through every stage of their development.
Most of their certified, professional business counselors have owned or managed successful businesses of their own. Through practical experience and continual professional development, they have gained the knowledge and insight to help resolve problems or develop and implement new strategies you’re your business success. They receive continuous training and collaborate with local business leaders to stay abreast of economic trends, market conditions and financial resources.
All SBDC offices work locally in conjunction with economic development offices, colleges and universities, financial institutions, business associations, chambers of commerce, and small business owners. Their program is designed to strengthen firms, and thereby contribute to the growth of our local, state and national economies.
There is lots of free, expert help available to small businesses wherever you may be throughout the state. Look them up and make 2016 your best year yet!
Freedom Insurance Agency cares about your business and wants you to get the help you need. Call them for all your insurance needs today!
Freedom Insurance
(410) 795-2000
