Whether it is for the start-up or growth phase, most businesses ultimately need to borrow money. Here are some issues to consider as you approach the borrowing process. Addressing them as you start the borrowing process can increase the chances of getting the loan and make the process much easier.
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A Guide to Renting a Business Location
Choosing and leasing a location for your business is critical. The type of your business will dictate many of your decision-making factors. For example, a retail business that is dependent on walk-in traffic means that you must have a location where there are many people who have an interest in your product or service.
Read more »A Guide to the Seven Types of Business Insurance
Every business needs insurance. The types and amounts of insurance coverage you need varies depending on the type of business, size of business, and the amount of risk the business is willing to assume. If your business provides personal services or if you are operating the business without a corporate structure, you must consider your
Read more »A Practical Guide to Creating a Business Plan
A formal business plan is important. It is needed when obtaining financing; serves as a guide for the policies, strategies, and tactics needed for running your business; can be shared with potential key employees; serves as a key document when you sell your business; and forces you to focus on the issues that are essential
Read more »A Practical Guide to Creating a Marketing Plan
The need for a marketing plan grows as a business develops new products, enters new markets, and refines how it attempts to position and sell its products. The structure of a marketing plan is similar to a business plan but focuses more on specific products and the operations surrounding those products instead of the entire
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions When Raising Capital
Determining what type of financing is best for your business can be challenging because there are so many factors to consider–from the stage of your business to how much it’ll cost to get the money–that just choosing a path to follow can be overwhelming. The SBA and Pathway Women’s Business Center are here to help
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions When Seeking Training and Business Assistance
The following list of resources to help you take advantage of the several free counseling and training programs that are available to assist you in starting and growing your business. From low cost business training and free mentoring, selling to government, finding access to capital and expanding your business internationally, these partners can help get
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions When Starting A Business
Starting a business is an exciting proposition, but it’s also an incredibly challenging undertaking. This page is a good point of reference for you, and the resources in this section will help you learn about what it takes and connect you with the right resources to successfully start a business.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions When Writing A Business Plan
Owning a business is an exciting proposition, but it’s also an incredibly challenging undertaking. Whether you’re just starting out, growing your business or seeking outside help, a well-thought-out business plan is the vehicle you need to get you there. This document will connect you with the right resources to help you stand out from the
Read more »How to overcome the fear of starting a business for the New Year
Start your new business one step at a time as part of your New Year’s resolution With a new year comes a sense of renewal and the feeling of a clean slate to follow your dreams. Looking back at 2018, what are your resolutions for 2019? As an aspiring entrepreneur, a fresh new year
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Blue Sky Business Modeling WorkshopThu Feb 21 2019, 11:00am CST - 1:00pm CST
Restorative Entrepreneurship Program: Class 1Thu Feb 21 2019, 6:00pm CST - 8:30pm CST
Blue Sky Business Modeling Workshop
Restorative Entrepreneurship Program: Class 1Help Women-Owned Businesses Break Through Barriers Toward Success
Did you know women own around 40% of all businesses in the United States, yet only receive about 2-3% of venture financing? The reasons aren’t totally clear, but it’s likely due to a mixture of gender disparities in the venture capital world as well as gender biases when it comes to decisions about when and
How to Build Workplace Culture
“Workplace culture” are buzzwords that we tend to hear everywhere these days, but it’s for a good reason. Your culture can truly make or break your business, as it determines the productivity of your employees, quality of work, brand reputation, and many more factors. If you’re just starting to grow your business, you’re in the
January is National Mentoring Month
Recently, I noticed I was having the same conversation with a number of friends and colleagues – “How can I be a mentor? I’m not a small business owner, so what could I even bring to the table?” The answer is: A LOT. Each of us brings something important to the table, and your