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.
Read more »Starting A Business
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 »Practical Information to Consider Before You Start a Business
Thousands of new businesses are started every day, yet history shows that a majority of them fail because of a flawed business concept, inadequate financing, or poor management. Starting a new business can be risky, and here are some issues to consider before taking that big step.
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Blue Sky Business Modeling WorkshopThu Dec 13 2018, 11:00am CST - 1:00pm CST
Discover 9: RegistrationTue Jan 8 2019, 6:00pm CST
Blue Sky Business Modeling Workshop
Discover 9: RegistrationHow to prepare your online store for holiday shopping
5 easy ecommerce tips to attract more customers during the holidays For some businesses, the holidays provide a slow period to take care of end-of-year tasks and planning for Q1. For B2C owners, however, the holiday sales usually provide a big portion of total annual revenue. Within most retail stores, there’s a rush of customers
Getting Certified: What WBOs Need To Know
By Jacqueline Hayes, MBA Chief Marketing Strategist + Principal Crayons & Marketers – Nashville, TN The federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. This process can be daunting, but with the help of this checklist below, you will be well
An Introduction to Lean Canvas for Emerging Businesses
by: Meera Unni Lean Canvas is an exciting tool that lets new and emerging entrepreneurs model their business plans in a short, efficient, one page diagram. Using Lean Canvas quickly identifies factors to prioritize while also creating an effective jumping off point for brainstorming. Instead of making a long, detailed business plan that could take