From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
| Question : |
Reply :
We've run out of time for this particular chat. Thank you for your questions...please check this chat out on www.sba.gov/chats...or direct your friends and neighbors to it. I'll try to get back to this and see if I can answer some of those I didn't get to....in some instances the questions were similar so I hope you'll take a look and see if it helped. Thanks for your interest...I hope some of my answers will help you with your businesses. |
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From : kasie
Location : Lake Charles , la |
Question :
Are there any women's business centers in the lake charles, Louisiana area? |
Reply :
Closest one is in New Orleans Kasie and they are in the district office of the SBA since they were flooded out during Katrina. |
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From : Julie
Location : |
Question :
Does SBA cousel folks on how to be an Independent Contractor; I.e., agreemnts that need to be written up...pitfalls to watchout for...etc. |
Reply :
I'm sure they can Julie...it's a matter of finding the right people to help you and they are good sources for just that. Best of luck. |
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From : Lori
Location : Milwaukee , WI |
Question :
I am looking to purchase an existing business rather than starting a business from scratch. Would the SBA or the Women's Business Centers be able to offer advise and direction or do they focus on new start-ups only? |
Reply :
Lori....I think you can get what you are looking for regarding purchase. Wisconsin has a great network of Women's Business Centers and they have been around long enough that they know how to refer people if their own staff expertise isn't in the purchase of an existing business. Give them a call...they are one of our best states. |
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From : Ann Rich Duncan
Location : Poultney , VT |
Question :
What about grants for someone who is creating educational products? |
Reply :
My basic answer on grants is that I don't know any for business start-ups...but locally that question may have a better answer. Maybe some educational organization does it, but I don't know about it, Ann. |
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From : Pam
Location : , Nevada |
Question :
You mentioned contracting but not certification. Will there be Women cert and will 8a be more open for non-ethnic women? |
Reply :
Certification will be part of the contracting program..yet to be decided if it is done by the agency or will we refer it. I'm sorry I don't know the answer to the 8a question...you might try the Las Vegas office to see if one of their people can answer your question. |
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From : Janet
Location : New Orleans , LA |
Question :
I would like to buy flooded houses in New Orleans, fix them up and sell them. How do I get started. |
Reply :
The SBA is involved in the recovery program through our district office Janet. I don't have the answer but they will. |
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From : Roberta Brodsky
Location : Thornton , Co |
Question :
I am a new small woman owned business, I have found that large corp advise that I am not big enough to get the job done, I am not sure how to get into the inner circle, I do attend Sadboc meeting in my area. |
Reply :
Hi again Roberta...my suggestion would be partnering to get you in the door. |
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From : Lisa Dickson
Location : Brookfield , OH |
Question :
I recently started my own decorating company and I am having cash flow issues as all start-ups do. I have a new product idea for the do-it-yourselfer decorator that I would like to develop and take to market, but I don't even know where to begin especially with such limited funds. Can you help me? |
Reply :
Lisa....this is why going for technical assistance such as a Women's Business Center is a good idea...you get the personal assistance and classes if you choose...it's like having a business consultant...but our rates are better and are based on ability to pay. |
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From : Donna Padgug
Location : Jacksonville , FL |
Question :
Where do we stand with respect to the "women's certification" for contracting with the government? Does SBA believe it could happen this year? |
Reply :
The SBA is under court order to proceed with the contracting program and recently hired Rand to establish the federal government agencies that would require a set aside. Congress will act on the proposed regulations based on their findings. |
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From : Kathy
Location : Hayden , ID |
Question :
My husband is retired. How much is his income/assests considered if I apply for a small business loan? |
Reply :
I don't think there is a standard for this one Kathy...I think each bank factors things a bit differently... |
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From : Julie Weeks
Location : Empire , MI |
Question :
Wilma, the SBA's reauthorization is up for renewal, and is slated to be passed by Congress sometime this year. What changes in OWBO's programs - such as the women's business center program, have been proposed by the SBA? And when do you expect Congress will be acting on the reauthorization? |
Reply :
Julie Weeks...imagine that....such a famous person e-mailing questions to lil ole me. We don't have a schedule yet for reauthorization...hope always springs that it will be done before the August recess, but it hasn't happened in four years. The SBA's position on OWBO programs remains the same in that they prefer one five year grant for the Women's Business Center program and not the second one known as sustainability. |
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From : Susan
Location : Bethesda , Maryland |
Question :
I'm about to invest in a small business (franchise) that I will run from home. Is there anyone at the SBA that could mentor me through this process? |
Reply :
Susan: You are closest to the Women's Business Center in Washington DC (Baltimore is the other) and I'm sure you can get some assistance there. Also the franchising association meets in May each year here in DC at the convention center and you might want to check them out...addresses and phone numbers for the Women's Business Centers in all states are listed on the SBA website e.g. www.sba.gov |
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From : Donna Sanders
Location : Kanss City , MO |
Question :
Ms. Goldstein, Do you think it's important to be certified as a WBE ? Are there any distinct advantages. Obviously if the business is owned by a WOMAN, the business is a WBE. What are your thoughts? |
Reply :
Certain contract opportunities require documentation that you are a certified business and/or a certified WBE so if it's contracts government or others you are seeking..it can be an advantage to have that documentation. |
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From : Andrea
Location : Louisville , KY |
Question :
I need help learning management skill to grow my business- how to keep an eye on everything at the same time, what specifics to watch. I would like to join some sort of mentoring group- is ther anything available low cost through SBA. I have found some but they are expensive. I want something that meets on a regular basis to keep me accountable to the changes I need to make. |
Reply :
That's exactly what we teach Andrea at any of the SBA programs...so call the District office, or look us up on the SBA website to see what is closest to you and there you will find training and opportunities for mentoring. |
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From : Jen Hoelscher
Location : Waterloo , Iowa |
Question :
What are the criteria for a female owned business? Can it be 51% or does it need to be 100% |
Reply :
Yes, Jen....it needs to be 51%.... |
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From : Roberta Brodsky
Location : Thornton , Co |
Question :
Dear Ms.Goldstein, I was pleased to hear of your background in campaign work. My husband and I are both politically involved and want to make a difference in our community. We have a small video production company and are trying to get work with different campaigns. It seems like the big firms out of DC and the east coast are so well known, we have been unable to break this door open. Can you help??? Sincerely, Roberta |
Reply :
I think more folks are using local resources Roberta..it's best to stick with the party of your choice so I'd start there if you aren't familiar with them and/or do some marketing to the candidates who file. |
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From : Lily
Location : Jacksonville |
Question :
I am a life coach and am thinking of establishing my own private practice. I'd like to start out with a home office. Besides the boundary issues with clients which I am in the process of researching, I am interested in knowing if legally, there are any guidelines around starting your business from home. Are there zoning restrictions, or anything of the like of which I need to be aware? Thanks. - LC |
Reply :
The rules governing home-based businesses Lily are as varied as can be. In my home state of Virginia you go from one town to the next and the rules change. I have been told that is true everywhere...so the advice you need must be made at the local level. Try the SBA district office in Jacksonville for starters...here is their address.http://www.sba.gov/fl/north/index.html There are also home-based business organizations they can probably direct you to. Good Luck. |
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From : Rey Sandoval
Location : Colorado Springs , Colorado |
Question :
Can this chat session help my business that is not Woman owned? |
Reply :
Well, Rey,the SBA's assistance programs do not discriminate so you can try your closest district office of the SBA for guidance. And if it turns out it's a Women's Business Center...I promise you won't have to wear a dress...well, maybe one day a week. |
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From : Rita Brown
Location : Omaha , NE |
Question :
After researching the site and seeking additional information needed for a new start up company. Where should an individual go from here? |
Reply :
To the SBA resource closest to you...a Women's Business Center or one of our other programs...all offer either individual counseling to answer your questions and help you on your way, classes you can take or a combination of both. Give them a call Rita. |
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From : Marilyn Bond
Location : Nashville , Tn |
Question :
Wilma, Would like to find out information on how to get started on a home business. I am currently working full time state govt, and attending college part time specializing in Web Design. Can you assist me please? I am a single mom of a slightly disabled son. Appreciate any advice. Marilyn :) |
Reply :
Marilyn....Our programs are out there to answer these very things.....a call to the SBA district office (found in your phone book) nearest you will direct you to either a Women's Business Center or an SBDC or a SCORE chapter, the latter two will probably start you out with a counselor to answer your questions....they will help you find whatever resource is closest to you. |
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From : Jolene Randazzo
Location : Washington , DC |
Question :
I am looking for a person who is registered as a small woman owned business and been able to obtain governemnt contracts. How complicated is it to bid for the work. I am in the commercial interior architecture/design industry. |
Reply :
Jolene....go to the SBA website sba.gov and look for ccr...which is where small businesses looking for partnerships and contracting alliances are listed...(it used to be called ProNet...ccr is its new name). Good Luck. |
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From : Barbara Buckner
Location : |
Question :
Where can I find information about funds available for starting a construction company? |
Reply :
Barbara: Start up funding is the most difficlt money to find but the answers aren't really different for a construction company than they are for any other business. The contstruction industry does have an Association...Women In Construction...I just spoke to their board here in DC this week..and they might know how to help, but I'd also go to the SBA and any Women's Business Center in your area. |
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From : Julie
Location : |
Question :
Are there any targeted finance / loan programs for women? |
Reply :
Count Me In, a web based microloan program is out there....but there aren't really many more that are targeted. The environment for women getting loans has become much much better, but you should find a counselor through the SBA to help you in your area, Julie |
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From : LaRhonda Carter
Location : Baltimore , MD |
Question :
I am currently still working fultime and cannot view this on thurs. is there another session I can attend |
Reply :
LaRhonda....this will stay live after we are finished today and can be accessed at www.sba.gov/chats. |
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From : SENETRICUS WARFORD
Location : MCDONOUGH , GEORGIA |
Question :
I WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN A SMALL BUSINESS GRANT OR LOAN, PLEASE HELP WITH THIS INFORMATION. |
Reply :
There are no grants for individual businesses Seneticus....but find out about loans and get help with how to prepare to get one....there are two Women's Business Centers in Georgia....one in Atlanta and one at Kennesaw College...there or your SBA District office which can help you or direct you to someone who can help is the place to start...SBA offices are listed in the phone book. |
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From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , D.C. |
Question :
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Reply :
Welcome everyone to SBA Live Meeting for the session on women's entrepreneurship. I'm Wilma Goldstein, Director of the Office of Women's Business Ownership. It's a pleasure to open this up and see that so many questions have come in....I may not get to all of them in the hour that we have...I'll do my best to try to answer them for as long as they are up even after 2 today...but there might be a few pauses as I go back to my desk when this is over. OK..let's go. |
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