March 1999
Help for Small Businesses
Did you know that there is help for your small business? There is a huge resource network designed to help you meet the challenges of running a small business in today's world. Your Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce is here to assist your in becoming a part of this available resource - The Indiana Small Business Development Center.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) wants you to reach your goals. If you own, manage or want to start a small business, they can help you succeed.
Confidential counseling is the primary service of the SBDC and forms the basis for all other assistance. Client's problems and opportunities are evaluated through in-depth interviews with SBDC staff members who draw on a vast array of private and public community resources to provide appropriate short and long term management assistance.
SBDC works with a network utilizing both individualized consulting and group seminars. By assisting clients to make better decisions, providing easier access to relevant business information, and introducing creative solutions to business problems, the SBDC helps clients realize their potential.
Areas of counseling include start-up issues, research sources, use of professional services, business management practices and financial planning. Printed resource materials, referrals, SCORE members, Collegiate Management Assistance, Business Seminars and Export Guidance are all available for clients of SBDC.
SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives is an established, effective group of thirty former business executives from the local area, eager to share their knowledge about starting and operating a business.
Collegiate Management Assistance
SBDC, in cooperation with the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, Indiana University of South Bend, Goshen College, Bethel College and Grace College, provides help by business students under the supervision of faculty advisors to assist businesses in identifying problems and opportunities and recommend action plans to help the business achieve its potential.
Business Seminars
Bimonthly start-up classes for entrepreneurs and classes and seminars for small business owners allow clients to interact with counselors who share personal experiences about operating a business. Challenges, such as starting a business, writing a marketing and business plan, managing cash flow and budgeting are addressed.
Export Guidance
The Elkhart SBDC staff specializes in helping clients open new markets for their products. Clients receive current information on business opportunities abroad and assistance in finding economical marketing research, making important sales contacts, pricing products competitively and updating information regarding shipping products overseas; information designed to ensure success in world markets.
Your Chamber is affiliated with the SBDC and should you care to further evaluate these programs, please call us at 936-2323.
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