From : Jennifer
Location : |
Question :
I know many small businesses fail. Do you have a few tips for success? |
Reply :
Here are five tips for effective business planning from SCORE: 1. Clearly define your business idea and be able to succinctly articulate it. Know your mission. 2. Examine your motives. Make sure that you have a passion for owning a business and for this particular business. 3. Be willing to commit to the hours, discipline, continuous learning and the frustrations of owning your own business. 4. Conduct a competitive analysis in your market, including products, prices, promotions, advertising, distribution, quality, service, and be aware of the outside influences that effect your business. 5. Seek help from other small businesses, vendors, professionals, government agencies, employees, trade associations and trade shows. Be alert, ask questions, and visit your local SCORE office http://www.score.org/findscore/. |
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From : Antoinette
Location : Stone Mountain , GA |
Question :
What does "SCORE" STANDFOR? |
Reply :
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives. SCORE provides free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business—from idea to start-up to success. Visit www.score.gov or call 1-800/634-0245. |
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From : Mary Stascak
Location : Wake Forest , NC |
Question :
RE: “Do You Know How to Start a Small Business?” 1/26/06. After this discussion...Will there be an electronic or hardcopy version of today's online chat discussion? |
Reply :
Yes, the "Do You Know How to Start a Small Business" Web chat and all past live Web chats are archived online at http://www.sba.gov/chats/. |
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From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
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Reply :
Thank you, everyone, for your interest today. I appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit. It is important that you think through your ideas. You will be putting capital and sweat equity into your business. Take the time to plan. The SBA has the resources to guide you and to help you in this imporant initial phase. Our counseling is free. I would take advantage of this service. If for some reason, you may not like your first counselor, we have over 16,000 counselors nationwide. Please visit another counselor. To find a counselor, our website is www.sba.gov/ed. Our resources are delivered through our Small Business Development Centers, Womens Business Centers, SCORE, and the Small Business Training Network. If you need financing assistance directly go to our website www.sba.gov/financing. I wish all of you success and hope that you will be fulfilling your dreams as an entrepreneur. It is the American Dream!! |
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From : Joe Randall
Location : NYC |
Question :
How do you recommend I decide whether to use a LLC (limited liability corporation) or a limited liability partnership? I want to get up and running to market my services but also want some liability protection. Appreciate the opportunity to seek your guidance on this. |
Reply :
Joe--you should visit an attorney for this question. Please make sure you start your business with sound advice and a good business plan. |
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From : Tamara
Location : , california |
Question :
Can I get small business advice from SBA in the evenings or on the weekends? I have a hard time finding free time on the weekdays. This chat is great. I am learning a lot. |
Reply :
Yes, SCORE does counseling online 24/7. www.score.org |
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From : Kim Stokes
Location : Chicago , IL |
Question :
What are the risks/advantages of Sole Proprietorship? |
Reply :
There are many counselors who can walk you through this. Please contact one at www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Jacqueline B.
Location : , IL |
Question :
Do I need to have a full business plan ready to meet with your counselors? Honestly, I am not that far along in my planning but would like to get their ideas on how to move forward. |
Reply :
Yes, you ultimately need a full business plan. To get you there, you can visit one of our counselors. To find one near you, www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Mecal McDade
Location : Irwin , PA |
Question :
As a Chamber of Commerce employee, we often get requests for "small business information" such as lease space, grants available, zoning codes, etc. Does an outline or packet exist that we could use as a model? Also - grants and HUB status are popular topics. I've never found an easy way to navigate what's available without sifting through thousands of options listed on state and federal websites. Any suggestions on the best point of contact for new businesses? |
Reply :
SBA maintains a HUBzone webpage https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet. For grants, please go to www.grants.gov to see the federal government offerings in general. |
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From : Chantana
Location : Baltimore , MD |
Question :
i have a small business that I am trying to get on the webb. What do you suggest I do about choosing a company? |
Reply :
Again, I would visit a counselor to help you with specific decisions about local markets. |
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From : juliette cunningham
Location : buffalo , ny |
Question :
how much does it cost to meet with a counselor and will they keep our discussion private? thanks. |
Reply :
Yes, the discussions are free and private |
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From : Katie Beck
Location : Wichita , Kansas |
Question :
What do you suggest about grants for business? |
Reply :
The SBA does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. The SBA does offer some grant programs, which are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local government |
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From : charles causey
Location : henderson , la |
Question :
Can you tell me about SCORE? Are they ligitamate? Do they have ties or some connection to SBA? |
Reply :
Yes, SCORE is very legitimate. They are our oldest program and all volunteer based counselors.I would suggest that you visit one of our SCORE counselors, Charles. www.score.org |
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From : maria
Location : boca raton , fl |
Question :
i want to open a retail clothing store, the sba can they help me find wholesale merchants or dealing with the manufacturers directly |
Reply :
Counselors may be helpful in your local market. www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Roger K.
Location : |
Question :
Any tips on knowing when you are ready to start a business or if you should stick with your current job? |
Reply :
You need to be financially ready to start a business. You cannot be underfunded to start your business plus you need to have a cushion in reserve to get you through the lean times. |
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From : Chantana
Location : |
Question :
How ia SBA able to help with starting a home rehabilitating/home investing business? |
Reply :
All businesses need a business plan. So visit one of our counselors. |
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From : Cassandra Miller
Location : Orlando |
Question :
Are there any wrong reasons to go into business for yourself? I am still not sure if I am ready to be an entrepeneur. |
Reply :
Cassandra-- You must be ready to go into business. Being an entrepreneur is challenging. There is nothing the same every day. You will need to wear several hats and deal with problem solving every day while you are growing. The American Dream is challenging. If security and the sameness is more comfortable for you, then you should be wary about starting a business. |
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From : Chantana
Location : |
Question :
Do SBA have assistance with those who want to start a business buying houses and either selling them or renting them out? |
Reply :
Every business receives counseling free. So, please see one of our counselors www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Marcus
Location : Killeen , TX |
Question :
What are some SBA resources that I can use to learn more about International trade? (Online retail store) |
Reply :
I would go to our website, Marcus. www.sba.gov/oit/export/index.html |
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From : dwayne
Location : Farmington , ct |
Question :
How do you know whether to start as a non-profit or for-profit when you buiness model supports the commuinity? Thank you so much for your time and support! |
Reply :
Hi Dwayne-- I think you need to discuss this with one of our local counselors who understand your market area. They are very different and you need to evaluate what your end goal would be. |
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From : sharon
Location : cleveland , ohio |
Question :
hi cheryl: what is the most difficult part most people find in starting their own business? |
Reply :
The discipline, Sharon, is a challenge. Having a plan and having the discipline to review a solid plan BEFORE you start is important. All of the homework that you do beforehand will be helpful. |
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From : Chantana
Location : |
Question :
I want to start a moble cosmotolgy business what do you offer for that? |
Reply :
All businesses need business plans and I would suggest that you visit one of our counselors. To find one near you:www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : juliette cunningham
Location : buffalo , ny |
Question :
how much does it cost to meet with a counselor and will they keep our discussion private? thanks. |
Reply :
there is no charge, Juliette, for any of our counseling sessions. Please feel free to find one locally through our website: www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : marystockard
Location : roswell , newmexico |
Question :
i'm wanting to move back to roswell,nm.and open a hud or a houusing unit like that, sence i'll always have to live there. how caan i go about getting a grant for this??thanks |
Reply :
I am sorry, Mary. We have no grants |
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From : Diana Black
Location : Greenacres , FL |
Question :
I want to start an internet pet shop. Do I need to incorporate?(S corporation) or is it enough to do a sole proprietorship? |
Reply :
You will want to review those questions, Diana, with one of our counselors. Please find one locally through www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : DON ROGERS
Location : MALDEN , MA |
Question :
I AM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BILLING MEDICARE AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. WHERE DO I START, AS FAR AS SUBMITING PAPERWORK FOR AUTHERIZATION TO BILL FOR EXAMS PERFORMED. MY AREA OF INTEREST IS CARDIAC ULTRASOUND. THANK YOU |
Reply :
Don, please discuss your interests with one of our counselors. You will need to do a business plan. www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Ron Derobertis
Location : Chicago , Illinois |
Question :
Hello Ms. Mills. my question is are there any available governments grants and loans for people like myself who have been business partners in others people businesses or worked in a managerial position, but now would be interested in going into business for myself as sole proprieter? I'm in the retail, clothing and shoes. Thank you any asistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated. |
Reply :
Thank you, Ron. We have no grants. Please check on our website www.sba.gov/financing for information on SBA guaranteed loans. |
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From : RAIMON HARRELL
Location : EAST DUBLIN , GA |
Question :
WHAT IS A GOOD CREDIT SCORE TO BE ABLE TO DO BUISNESS WITH SBA |
Reply :
Please go to www.sba.gov/financing |
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From : kim zimmerman
Location : smithfield , virginia |
Question :
I need information on grants and loans for a small business that is owned by a female. |
Reply :
Please go to our website:www.sba.gov/gcbd |
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From : Eric Frank
Location : baltimore , md |
Question :
how do i obtain forms to apply for a grant? |
Reply :
I am sorry but we do not have any grants. |
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From : Digna Barro
Location : Brooklyn , NY |
Question :
Does the governemnt help for small business loan and grants? |
Reply :
The SBA guarantees different types of loans through SBA lenders across the country. Please go to www.sba.gov/financing |
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From : Patrick Henry
Location : New Orleans , Louisiana
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Question :
I would like to start a catering business in the new orleans area. I have worked in the industry for almost 10 years and would like to know what I need to do to acquire finacing. |
Reply :
I wish you well. Please go to our website www.sba.gov/ed and find a counselor close to you so that you can receive advice on how to go about starting this business. |
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From : Phil P.
Location : plymouth , Mn
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Question :
I have just started building credit about 3 months now. will that be a problem for getting a 7a loan? |
Reply :
I would discuss this with one of our counselors or our SBA District office. For local listings of services, please go to our website: www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Sandra Zwaal
Location : Mission Viejo , CA
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Question :
Now that I know I want to start a business, how do I decide what type of business to start? |
Reply :
You will need to be passionate about your business so I would allow an idea to bubble up. Often, you will find the need by something you or family finds is not being served by the current marketplace. |
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From : sandra Felice
Location : Greensburg , PA
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Question :
I have two sons who are not the normal 9 to 5 work for somebody else type. They are 24 and 25 yrs. old They are very creative, artistic and would like to open their own business designing CD covers, silk screening shirts and selling art work among other ideas. My husband and I are teachers who work for someone else and we don't know the first thing about helping them get started. Please e-mail your advice as to where we can direct them. |
Reply :
The most important thing is to visit one of our counselors. Please find the nearest counselor by going to our website www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Joe Randall
Location : NYC
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Question :
How do you recommend I decide whether to use a LLC (limited liability corporation) or a limited liability partnership? I want to get up and running to market my services but also want some liability protection. Appreciate the opportunity to seek your guidance on this. |
Reply :
You really need to sit down with an accountant and also an attorney when you are going to set up a business. Having good advice with your business plan sitting in front of you will pay off in the long term. I would also bounce around the ideas with one of our counselors. Please find the counselor closest to you by going to www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Marion Zajac
Location :
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Question :
Since we are both from central NJ and professionals who help small business, what resousrces are available (SBA or otherwise) to help those inventing technology and do not yet have a prototype or first customer? |
Reply :
Please go to www.sba.gov/sbir. This site should be helpful. |
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From : Brenda Batts
Location : Washington , DC
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Question :
What special programs do you have for women-owned businesses? |
Reply :
We have Women's Business Centers across the country but all of our resource partners have an interest in helping women succeed in business. Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men and they are the economic powerhouse of the future. |
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From : Tina Johanson
Location :
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Question :
My daughter is interested in starting a business. She is currently a high school freshman. Do you recommend she join a business group or learn about being a business owner on the web? |
Reply :
I think she should join a business group. Also, www.sba.gov/teens or www.mindyourownbiz.org should be helpful. |
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From : Sharon Herndon
Location : Cincinnati , OH
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Question :
I have a business concept, that I want to protect. How do I go about doing that? |
Reply :
You will need to discuss your ideas with an attorney to see what you can and cannot protect. |
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From : Dwayne
Location : Farmington , ct
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Question :
What is the most effective way to run a search for a possible trade name? Is it first throught the state level or nationally? |
Reply :
You will need to hire an attorney to do a search. This is a cost you must incur to protect your name. Remember, you want to plan ahead for every event. |
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From : Lisa Cason
Location : Upper Marlboro , Maryland
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Question :
Does the SBA provide funding/grants to individuals who are trying to start a business but personal credit scores maybe low? |
Reply :
The SBA does not provide grants. However, please refer to www.sba.gov/financing to see what guaranteed loan programs the SBA/local banks have to offer. |
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From : Douglas
Location : Bradenton , FL
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Question :
Cheryl, I'm considering starting a new merchant services business. Do you know of any the SBA has assisted? |
Reply :
I would discuss this with one of our counselors. Please check www.sba.gov/ed to locate a counselor near you. |
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From : sharon liggins-smalls
Location : macedonia , ohio
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Question :
hi cheryl: please give me some advice on how to market a publication for profit? thanks. |
Reply :
Yes, you can go to one of our programs www.score.org and link to the business tools. You may also visit the SBA site at www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html |
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From : Sharon Herndon
Location : Cincinnati , Ohio
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Question :
Is there a business plan template that I can download on the SBA website? |
Reply :
Yes, please go to www.score.org and click on the business tools link. |
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From : Ellen McDowell
Location :
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Question :
Can a franchise be a small business? |
Reply :
Yes, it depends on the size. |
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From : sharon
Location : macedonia , ohio
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Question :
what is the very first step in starting a business be it small or large? thanks. |
Reply :
The very first step is to develop a business plan and the best thing to do is to visit one of our SBA counselors through our Small Business Development Centers, Women Business Centers, SCORE. You can find these at:www.sba.gov/ed |
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From : Michael Bradshaw
Location :
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Question :
Any advice for a web based gardening info business? |
Reply :
Thank you for your question. Any business, whether it is on the web or not, should start at the SBA. I would suggest that you begin by going on our website: http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html |
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