Find Local Assistance for Starting Your Own Business

 Starting your own business is a huge endeavor.  That isn’t to say that it isn’t a fantastic and rewarding adventure, however it is most certainly a large undertaking.  When starting a business, most experts will agree and advise entrepreneurs to seek expert advice.  We’re all good at some things and not so good or knowledgeable about other things.  Starting a business requires knowledge and skill in a number of areas including but not limited to:

• Financial Planning
• Customer Service
• Sales
• Management
• Systems and metrics
• Marketing
• Goal Setting
• Administrative tasks
• Business technologies
• Business models
• Contracts
• And of course your core business which may be product or service based.

With so much to learn and know it is a great idea to find people who have been there, people who have experience starting a business and people who are experts in the various areas of expertise.  For example a lawyer to help with business structures and contracts and an accountant to help with financial planning and goal setting.

Finding experts online is fine, however it may be significantly more beneficial to you and your business if you’re able to find experts locally.  Here’s how:

State Resources

Most states have a variety of resources in place for small business owners and entrepreneurs.  Check with the Secretary of State Department in you state of business, as they will have information about available programs and resources.  Another place to contact is the Department of Labor, or your state’s equivalent.  Many times, they offer programs for those who are unemployed or seeking a career change, including help for those wanting to start their own business.

Some states have an Economic Development Department within their government system.  This department is responsible for creating programs within the state to promote economic growth.  They may offer seminars and counseling, grant and loan programs, and many other useful resources to help those who are starting a business to get on their feet.

City and Town Resources

Join your local chamber of commerce.  The chamber of commerce is established to help businesses connect, share resources and share knowledge.  Many chamber members give free workshops on various aspects of running a business.  For example a marketing firm who belongs to your chamber may give a free seminar or workshop on how to build a marketing database or how to optimize your website for search engine ranking.  A local accounting firm may give a seminar on how to set up your home office to maximize deductions and so on.  Additionally, Chamber of Commerce members often give discounts to other Chamber members so fulfilling your business needs locally makes financial sense.

Join your local Small Business Association.  Like the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Association exists to help small business owners start a business and stay in business.  They’re chock full of resources to help you learn all there is to know about starting and running a business and local members are committed to helping each other.

Small town banks are another place to find information and resources for business start-ups.  As local banks have a greater interest in the local economy, they are more likely than a large, national banking company or lender to offer loans to small business start-ups.  They know their neighborhoods and are very likely to find you funding if you are providing a valuable service or filling a need within the community.

Check to see if there is a local group for small business owners or entrepreneurs.  By joining one of these networking organizations, you can get valuable information from other members who have walked in your shoes.  Finding a mentor within one of these groups is relatively easy, giving you a go-to person when you are in need of advice.  Networking with others is one of the best ways to get information you might have missed, as well as drum up future business.

Many communities also offer free university or community education classes.  These classes can fill in the knowledge gaps because they’re often offered by experts in your community.  

There are a number of resources right outside your front door to help you start your own business.  Taking advantage of them is just good business.

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