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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Quickbooks BootcampWed May 1 2019, 9:00am CDT - 11:00am CDT
Blue Sky Business Modeling WorkshopThu May 9 2019, 11:00am CDT - 1:00pm CDT
Quickbooks Bootcamp
Blue Sky Business Modeling WorkshopAre you ready to make the federal government your client?
4 simple steps for getting started Government contracts are a big opportunity for small businesses. The federal government allocates at least $5 of every $100 contract dollars to women and minority-owned small businesses each year, according to the Small Business Administration. State and local entities are following suit so that minority and women-owned businesses get
Building Business Relationships: Top Tips To Start Strong In Your New Mentorship
Last week in our series on building business relationships, Taneka and Ashlee’s mentorship story showed us the power of a great mentorship. This week we’re covering the steps you can take to ensure the same success with your mentor by getting off to a strong start. We recently matched our Discover Cohort graduate Kristin Mejia
Building Business Relationships Series: Successful Businesses Have Mentors
Taneka Cole credits her mentor’s motivation and advice with opening the doors to her body-positive bridal shop. Research from the Small Business Administration proves a link between mentoring and small business success. This week, in our third installment of our series on building business relationships, we turn to Taneka’s mentorship story. Taneka Cole wanted