SBDC: A Great Free Resource To Help Start Your Business

Did you know that a great free resource to help you start your business may be located a few miles from where you’re sitting?

Allow me to introduce you to a wonderful business resource that you may not know about.

The SBDC.

What Is An SBDC?

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) provide free educational services for current and aspiring small business owners.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) are hosted by several leading universities and state economic development agencies. SBDC’s are funded in part through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. (SBA) As of this writing, there are 900 service sites for you to choose from.

From SBA.gov:

“SBDCs provide services through professional business advisors such as: development of business plans; manufacturing assistance; financial packaging and lending assistance; exporting and importing support; disaster recovery assistance; procurement and contracting aid; market research services; aid to 8(a) firms in all stages; and healthcare information.”

Let’s hone in on two things:

1.  Business plan development

2. Financial packaging/lending assistance

SBDC: A Great Free Resource To Help Start Your Business

Most of the people I work with plan on getting a small business loan for their franchise business. (Once they choose the right franchise opportunity for them and do the kind of research I teach them.)



 
They also know that they’ll greatly increase their chances of getting their loan approved if they include a powerful business plan with their loan application.

But, here’s the thing:

Only around 20% of my franchise clients…past and present, knew about SBDC’s. I’d like to change that. (Please share this article; that will help.)
 

Use An SBDC

SBDC’s…depending on their size, usually have several highly-qualified counselors on staff.

Not only are their counselors highly-qualified, they tend to be great connectors. In other words, they know a lot of people. They may even know the types of people that can help you do things like secure a small business loan. People like bankers. Local bankers. Bankers that specialize in small business loans. Maybe even SBA-backed loans.

Learn What An SBA Loan Is Here 

A good counselor can help you put together a business plan and help you structure…or package, a loan application. Correctly.

In addition to lenders, SBDC counselors tend to know other professionals that support and serve small businesses, including franchise businesses. Professionals like business/franchise attorney’s, and accountants.

FYI: Not all SBDC’s are created equal.

Some are better than others. Some counselors are better than others.

But, there’s only one way to find out.

Enter your zip code here to see where your closest SBDC is.

Then, schedule a free consultation with a counselor. See where it goes.

SBDC’s have been serving future and current small business owners for a long, long time.

Their services are free, and they’re very pro-small business. Your local office can be a great free resource for your potential new franchise business.

Pay a visit to your local SBDC.  See if you can get some assistance with your potential franchise business startup.

Here’s to your success!