Before you can
successfully sell your products and services to the government or
any buyer, you must be able to clearly define what you can deliver
and how you can meet the needs of prospective customers. This is
a function of good management.
Your products and services should be clearly described in a business
plan. If you do not have a current business plan, you should prepare
one. You will need it.
The SBA offers many programs and services to help you prepare a
crisp business plan that accurately details your abilities.
Consider using one or more of the following resources:
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Small Business Development Centers(SBDCs)
This training resource is a cooperative effort of the private sector,
the educational community and federal, state and local governments.
It is SBA's largest resource partner and an initiative that enhances
economic development by providing small businesses with management
and technical assistance. There are more than 1,100 SBDC lead and
service centers located around the country.
SCORE
The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a resource partner of the SBA dedicated
to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success
of small businesses nationwide. There are more than 10,500 SCORE
volunteers in 389 chapter locations who assist small businesses
with business counseling and training. SCORE also operates an active
online counseling initiative.
Women's Business
Centers (WBCs)
Women's Business Centers represent a national network of more than
80 educational centers designed to assist women start and grow small
businesses. WBCs operate with the mission to level the playing field
for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the
world of business.
Business Information Centers
(BICs)
Business Information Centers (BICs) provide the latest in high-technology
hardware, software and telecommunications to assist small businesses.
There are 85 such state-of-the-art centers located around the country,
dedicated to providing the tools and assistance small businesses
need to succeed.
SBA District Offices
In addition to its resource partners, the SBA operates full service
district offices in every state of the country. Locate the district
office closest to you.
E-Business Institute
The E-Business Institute is an Internet-based learning portal
for small businesses. It operates like a virtual campus and offers
numerous management and technical assistance courses. |