Small business Association

For those interested in starting a business, the Small Business Administration (SBA), can be an important resource. The SBA is well known as a source for small business loans, but they offer much more. The organization is an outstanding government agency with resources geared specifically to help small business owners start up and stay in business. And even better news is that many of those resources are free of charge.

First founded in 1953, the SBA is an independent agency that provides counsel, aid, and assistance, designed to protect small business interests. Other focuses of the SBA include preserving and maintaining free competitive enterprise, as well as well as strengthening the nation’s economy. Small businesses are a vital part of this country’s existence, providing products and services to consumers while providing income to employees of the company.

Over the years, the SBA has grown and established a system for building the future of this country. Throughout their existence, the mission has remained the same – assisting the American people in starting, building, and growing businesses of various industries. In addition to providing needed services to the United States, this government agency also aids businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The services and programs offered by the SBA include contracting opportunities, loans, training programs, and even aid in the event of disaster. Although not all offers provided by the SBA are listed in this article, we have listed some of the key benefits associated with the services offered.

Financial Aid and Planning

Many small businesses fail within the first five years. This failure is often due to under capitalization and poor management. To create and build a small business, you need ready capital, coupled with the right knowledge and planning. SBA can help by calculating finances needed for the business, as well as strategies for proper management. They offer free assistance from business experts. These experts will review your business plan and provide advice on improving and strengthening your plan. You can also utilize their resources to develop your plan.

Disaster Relief

The SBA also has a special division called the Office of Disaster Assistance, which has the responsibility of providing financial assistance to homeowners and businesses in an affordable, accessible, and timely manner. The major benefit is the long-term, low interest loans. If your company were to experience disaster, the SBA would step up to provide assistance for repairing and/or rebuilding.

Miscellaneous Programs

In addition to the two programs mentioned, keep in mind that it has a variety of solutions specific to small business owners. For instance, you could take advantage of online training from the SBA, which includes a number of free online courses. Counseling and assistance is also provided by the SBA, offering help through Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and a number of national training events.

Finally, the SBA is known for reaching out to audiences that many other organizations or agencies would not touch. It has special programs, tools, and resources specifically available to veterans, women, Native American Indians, and young entrepreneurs. Remember, the focus of this agency is to make it possible for anyone to become a successful business owner in the United States. Over the years, the SBA has proven a highly successful entity.

An idea can change the world, for good or bad – that’s a separate issue. But an idea really changes the world – we have all witnessed it time and again. To cite examples, there were groups which invented the internet. And now, using the same platform, there has been something that no one thought that would happen – it has virtually sucked out profits from its competitors and is the Numero Uno in the world; a small startup as a college networking site, evolved into the gigantic $200 billion Facebook – as we know it today!

Small ideas but the ability to implement them in a manner than profits you and the society makes all the difference today! The human brain is so complex and full of ideas that you need not go anywhere else to scratch for ideas. Unfortunately, we only use a part of the brain’s immense, un-comprehended power. Now, that you have got an idea and want to implement it by starting off with a small venture, we all know that you’ll need money for that.

How to Get Funds for Your Small Business?

One thing has been taken care of here and that is – THE idea. Now you require funds; where can you seek funds? There are multiple avenues for seeking the same; however it is the government that people are so comfortable to approach. The government seems to be a source of immense funds, but the question is – is it willing to fund your idea? The answer is simple, if you have confidence in your idea/project the government will also have. However, the government agency – Small Business Association which oversees all this and more has become a bit of investment shy after the recent wave of recession.

However, with rising rates of unemployment and job sacking and mounting debts – the federal government is encouraging small entrepreneurs and wants to help them to create jobs for themselves and grow enough so that it starts generating employment for others. That is the government’s side of thinking. Whatever it is, you have to make sure that you will concentrate on your business and nothing else. The main thing is to make your business stand and make it stand quickly with a solid foundation.

Loans even before starting a business are seen as a debt but that’s fine! At a point o time, every business is in debt but that does not mean even for once that it cannot make profits or generate revenues. It is natural to be in a little debt. That sustains the revenue pull in your business. But one thing to be aware of is that the debts should not mount over the period of running your business. Unless your firm is controlling the country’s economy, the government won’t come and bail you out!

Small Business Association of the government will fund you by providing loans at nominal rates. This amount will be largely helpful for you to start and run your business further on.

Are you a small business owner? Need money? I think capital is one of the big concerns of every business owner. In fact, it can be very frustrating to borrow in today’s economic environment. So as a small business owner, what are you supposed to do?

Obtaining Financing for Your Business

One of the top concerns of a business owner is to make sure that there are plenty of finances coming into the business. I recommend to business owners that you speak with someone who has experience in the business financing industry. You need someone who has been around the block.

What to Look For In a Business Financing Company

One of the things that you look for in a business financing company is the ability to keep the money to the business when it needs it. You don’t want a company that will drag its feet, and possibly never get you the money that you need. Ask around and speak to other business owners. Also, ask for references. As a company that has done business for years in the business loan industry, we do not mind providing plenty of references to satisfied clients.

One thing I would not recommend is going with a company that charges an upfront fee before they try to get you business financing. This can help this can open you up to losing your money, very quickly. Another thing is to check and see if that business is a part of the Better Business Bureau.

How Can I Use It?

So what can a business loan be used for? At business loan can be used for anything that can be used for most business purposes. Things like working capital, inventory, real estate, renovations, equipment, payroll, and many other applications.

Small Business Association Loans

The most common business loans are done through the US government through the Small Business Association. The SBA works with small business owners throughout the year to give them money for growing their businesses. SBA loans are generally given to businesses that can’t obtain financing through any other method.

We Recommend the Unsecured Business Line

We often work with the SBA, however we do recommend a business financing product that we offer called the unsecured business line of credit. Business startups like the unsecured business line credit program, because it is so flexible.

What is great about a business line of credit is that the normal requirements for collateral are not required. Business owners also like the fact that the loan can be paid back once it is used. Interest is not accruing until the money is actually used. Business started through like this because it is a backup source of funds for business growth.

Get a Leg Up

Getting a small business loan can be vitally important to the growth of a business startup. If you are a business entrepreneur that is try to make his way in the world, then do not wait until after the money that you need, ASAP.

When it comes to the world of small business lending, don’t go wandering aimlessly through the wilderness in today’s market. It is well-known that businesses that have under capitalization are much more likely to fail in the long run. Don’t let your business be one of the failures of the past. Make for yourself and bright future, get a small business loan.

As a small business owner you can often feel alone, even when surrounded by many people.

How is this possible? The answer is that many small business owners keep their business challenges to themselves. They don’t want employees, or customers, or suppliers, or family and friends for that matter, to know that they have business issues that might be difficult to manage.

If this describes your business environment, consider building a business network to help you manage your challenges and grow your business.

What is a small business network? In this instance it is a network of either similar or dissimilar small businesses that work together to help each other solve their business issues and also to help each other manage and grow their businesses.

Let’s examine an example of a small business network for similar businesses.

A group of between eight and twelve business owners in the same industry but in non-competing locations set up a peer business network. They get together (either face-to-face or online) at a regularly scheduled day and time (maybe monthly or quarterly) to discuss their small business strategy and issues and they each ask for, and get, feedback from the rest of the group — all experienced business owners of similar type businesses.

Some of the discussion might center on human resource issues such as training, hiring, firing, turn-over rates, and comparative wages or salaries. Other discussions might be on common customer centric issues such as turn-around times, over promising and under delivering, quality, service, handling difficult customers. Some sessions might focus on business planning, marketing planning, sales planning or results from plans.

To form this type of group, business owners could meet through national or international industry trade associations. To make this type of network work, the participants must sign confidentiality agreements and non-compete agreements — even though today the businesses are non-competing, there is no guarantee that tomorrow they won’t be competing. It is important that legal advice is obtained at the start of setting up this type of network — your group will need to know what is allowed or not allowed by government competition acts.

The advantage of this type of network is that all participants already know and understand the industry and can bring that knowledge and expertise to the discussions.

Now, let’s examine an example of a small business network for dissimilar businesses.

This type of network would work best in a group of not less than eight and not many more than twelve business owners (too small and the input is weakened; too large and it’s hard to have a voice or hear what’s going on). This group would get together on a regular basis (likely monthly) and review each business’ progress, operations, challenges, or the designated topic of the month. Since this is a network of non-competing, dissimilar businesses, the group could be local and meetings could be face-to-face.

An advantage for local meetings is that the group would be operating in the same economic climate and would have a thorough understanding of what that means to local businesses. It would be relatively easy to form a local group by meeting businesses through local small business associations.

Topics could be selected in advance by month, by quarter, by year and each business owner would attend a network meeting prepared to discuss issues surrounding that topic. For example, one month’s topic could be about reducing the cost of financing and sharing tips and tactics. Another month’s topic could be about the use of the best and most successful recruiting methods for that local area. Another month’s topic could be on creating a business plan and the necessary tools to do so.

In this type of network it is also important to have confidentiality agreements and non-compete agreements at the start of the network meetings. You will want to have the assurance that if someone leaves the group that they won’t share confidential information with others.

The advantage of this type of network is that you can more easily set this group up in your local market so that face-to-face meetings would not be difficult and that you might actually get more out-of-the-box thinking from business owners outside of the industry who are not constrained by past practices.

For both types of networks, use an outside facilitator to ensure that the group stays on track and that each member gets out of the network what it needs (its reason for joining). The concept of a business network is to provide small business owners with a small business advisory group to test solutions, find answers, change old ways of doing things, and more. In large businesses, that type of network support typically comes from other departments or management. In small businesses, a strong small business network is part of an overall business community that becomes part of the infrastructure for your business’ success.

Since the major part of a small business typically comes from business to business services, it is essential to maintain a positive standing with the local business community. It is of value to you to join as many business type organizations as possible in your town. You should attend meetings when possible and introduce your clients to each other.

Most towns and all cities have chambers of commerce. The chamber offers many things to small businesses especially new ones and start-ups. Chambers provide a voice for the business community, a bridge between government – small business – corporations – volunteers – religious organizations – schools – clubs – homeowners associations – corporations – general public – etc. It’s a monumental job, always changing. It takes money, lots of it. It takes coordination and a knack for small town politics. It takes members who will volunteer, who care and are dedicated. Of course that’s where you come in. Chambers of Commerce hold various events such as:

· Mixers

· Table Top Exhibits/Expos

· Seminars

· Luncheons

· Committee Meetings

· Installation Dinners

· Benefits

· Educational Exchanges

· Home Based Business Groups

· Networking Breakfast Meetings

· Membership Drives

If you attend some of these events, you will make new friends, contacts and customers. Anyone can join the chamber. It usual costs $100-450. But you only get out what you put in. Many small business owners may see it as a waste of money. In actuality it is relatively inexpensive depending how you chose to use your membership. It can be long lasting advertising in the form of:

· Promotion

· P.R.

· Networking

· Free Media Coverage

· And Fun

Joining Committees

If you truly want to become involved, we suggest you join various Chamber of Commerce committees. Committees need your input. You probably talk to one hundred business owners and residential customers per week. Five hundred per month. They know you, they trust you and they generally speak their mind to you. When these associates, business customers and business people talk to politicians, it’s a more tactful type conversation. When they talk to Chamber of Commerce staff, they tend to also choose their words more carefully. When they talk to you, it’s more point blank, to the point, blunt and the reality of the way they really feel. You’ll never get a sugar coated answer to a small business dilemma from an actual owner. They’ll tell you how they feel. Whether they are happy or mad as hell about an issue. You also are the eyes and ears of the community with it’s residences.

When you come to these committees you bring knowledge. You will soon find your ideas, observations and personal opinion are paramount. You are the most valuable tool a chamber committee could ever hope to have. You need to ask yourself “Do you have the extra time?” If you don’t, don’t volunteer. There is nothing worse than a committee member who volunteers and then doesn’t pull through when he or she is needed. If you have the time you be repaid in new business contacts and customers and the feeling of knowing you made the difference.

How do you join a committee? Talk to the president of the chamber. Tell them you want to volunteer. Find out which chamber committees have openings. Many times there is no limit to the number of people, so try to pick one with a large group of members. You will be able to do more networking and big groups tend to divide sub-committee work loads more evenly. Join a committee that interests you. Don’t join one you don’t care about. Just like in college, you always got better grades in the classes you enjoyed, didn’t you? Make sure the people in the group really want to get something done and it’s not just a who’s who social gathering. That kind of group eventually fails to accomplish even the most basic of mission statements. You are a winner, so you should be in a winning group.

Make sure once you have gone to a couple of meetings, the turnover is low and that no one person’s ego stands out in the group, especially if it’s the chairman. If this happens, go to one more meeting and dismiss yourself. “Business is so good, I don’t have any time left.” Then volunteer to with flyer distribution by leaving information on your counter or delivering this vital information to your customers and business clients. Tell everyone you are more than happy to be of assistance. Then give everyone in the group your card. You can still help without battling personalities. Remember everyone there is volunteering and it is better to be a friend than an enemy.

Board Of Directors

Being on the board of directors of a Chamber of Commerce is extremely important. It’s an easy job and very prestigious. It’s also great for business. You will receive notice when board seats come up for election. Usually chambers ask their members through direct mail if anyone would like to run for a board seat. Fill out the form with a brief resume. Make sure not to go over the maximum word count. Try to shave off ten percent if possible because people tend to read the short ones more. Don’t exaggerate your accomplishments. If you need help with this, call one of the current board members you know who is not re-running for the same position. Find out from the chamber what day they will be mailing the ballots and call everyone in the chamber two days before. It’s important not only to win, but to win by a margin. It gives you clout with the chamber members and staff. When you win, make sure to attend as many meetings as possible. Usually meetings are only one time per month.

Grand Openings

When you are privy to information about a new business opening or a grand opening ribbon cutting event, you should visit the business:

· To sign them up as new customers

· To offer to give free products or service coupons for grand opening goers

· To help them meet potential buyers, namely all your customers

· To say hi and let them know you are all in the same boat and wish them many years of success

Internet Programs

Always try to get your company listed in the Chambers on-line directory. There may be an additional charges for this, but it is worth it.

Distribution Of Monthly Newsletters

Most Chambers of Commerce publish a monthly newsletter of what’s going on around town and with various business members. The more hot little hands these newsletters get into, the better it is for the advertisers and the better for you as a member. It’s also great for chamber membership, the more people who join the Chamber the more people in the club to buy from you and help all the businesses in the community. If you have a mobile type business and volunteer to deliver a chamber newsletter to every business in your area, you will surely be a chamber favorite. If you are a retail or location based business, have them on your counter for customers and associates. Your customers will also be glad to receive a copy and and your business customers will eventually join the chamber if they haven’t already. You will be helping businesses everywhere in town by doing this. This will be recognized. It will also help you when the chamber does a story on you to put in the newsletter. Of course, that month we will print extra copies and direct mail them to every licensed business in your town and all of our franchisees. Try to refer fellow businesses to the chamber each month.

Membership Drives

Whenever the chamber has a membership drive, you should volunteer to help. You have fax data bases and distribution power “plus” you know personally many business owners in town. Chamber membership is the life line of their existence. The more you, we help them, the more they help you. It is okay to join many chambers or at least all the ones where you want customers.

Logo On Vehicle

Offer to put a magnetic sign on your work vehicles with the local Chamber of Commerce logo. This helps the chamber and legitimizes your business. If this is not possible, put your Chamber of Commerce member plague on your dash board. If you have a location business, be sure to display your plaque where it can be seen by all visitors

Meeting With Chamber

You should be on a first name basis with the Chamber of Commerce president. You probably already are. He or she needs your feedback. They need to know what’s going on at the street level and no one knows better than you. You will be the eyes and ears for the chamber. You should set aside one hour per month to discuss concerns you’ve heard on the street and possible solutions you’ve worked out. Try to make it a regular meeting such as the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 am. This meeting can be with the Chamber manager or even a Board Member you can relate with. If you belong to a committee bring your information and observations there.

Network With Other Groups

You should network with your service club whether it be Elks, Lions, Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, Soroptimists, whatever. Bring those concerns with you. Help the chamber co-sponsor events with your club and other clubs, making one big happy united family town thanks to you. You can also volunteer to help on the Boys and Girls Club, United Way or other associated non-profit, which helps people. By adding your Chamber Membership to a non-profit commitment, you will make a difference and super-charge your business.

Attending Meetings

You should attend meetings sponsored by your Chamber of Commerce. As many as you can. Enough that you don’t need to wear a name tag because everyone already knows you. You still should wear a name tag. However write on it:

· A New Friend

· Customer Service

· Me

· Label

· Name Tag

· Just Me

· I love meeting new people

· Put name on upside down

Sounds funny but it’s a great ice breaker. It works every time. After all, there is bound to be a new face popping up every once in a while. Many of these new members may feel intimidated and you can help them and really make a new friend and business associate creating team work, co-marketing efforts and sharing of customer lists with non-competing businesses.

Trade Shows

Table top mixers and trade shows are very important. Smaller shows – such as city fair, county fair, Chamber of Commerce Business Fair, etc. – you can do for relatively low cost. Pretty good statistics. Trade fairs and shows are good.

One of the major advantages of exhibiting in a show is the tremendous impact that you can deliver and direct to a preconditioned group of prospects. Through your exhibit, these prospects can see how they can benefit from your services and/or products. Exhibiting in various types of shows offers you both short and long range benefits.

As with any of your sales promotion programs, the success of your show participation depends largely on proper planning. Before you enter a show, analyze all the factors involved and determine if the show will attract prospects who will require your services. Your final decision should be based upon the estimate of value you will receive for the money, time and effort put forth.

To get information on the shows scheduled for your area, contact your local Chamber of Commerce. If you are considering entering an annual show, ask for a list of regular exhibitors from past years. Then check with these exhibitors for their opinions as to the value of the show.

Referrals – Word Of Mouth

No matter what you do at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, remember to bring cards. Chamber mixers draw about fifty people or more, grand openings twenty, committee meetings ten. Always say when handing out cards, “If you do not need our service/products please take this card and give it to someone who might be interested. Thanks.” This will make the person happy that you are not pressuring them and they will be glad to pass it on.

Letters To The Editor

You should rifle off at least one letter a month to the local paper praising a small business, the Chamber of Commerce or how happy you are to have a business here. If you have a reason to praise more than one person, type the letter and have a co-worker sign it.

Conclusion:

Your success in your business is up to you, we live in the greatest country in the world. You are allowed to unlimited success, but with that incredible gift you are also allowed to fail. The ball is in your court, your chamber membership can be one of your greatest assets, but you only get out what you put in. Stay involved, do not ever give up and use your chamber to help you win.