252
T H E
B U S I N E S S
S T A R T - U P
K I T
you must know what it is your customers are looking for and then give it to them. It’s almost too simple, and that’s the beauty of it.
Get Help Franchisors like to say that while a franchisee might be in business for himself, he is not in business by himself; the franchisor is behind him, helping him succeed. But in reality, that is true for anyone starting a business. There are many people who are ready and willing to help you grow your business.
The Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), established in 1953, provides assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. Each year, the SBA offers financial, technical, and management assistance to more than one million business owners. Its site, <www.sba.gov>, is a wealth of information. The SBA also funds several nonprofit organizations, one of which is called Small Business Development Centers. SBDCs are found in most communities. They offer individual counseling, conduct seminars and training sessions, sponsor conferences, and, in general, assist anyone seeking advice about operating a business. You can find your local SBDC at <www.sba.gov/gopher/LocalInformation/Small-Business-Development-Centers/>.
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) The Service Corps of Retired Executives is another nonprofit association funded by the SBA. It is dedicated to entrepreneur education, as well as assisting in the formation, growth, and success of businesses nationwide. In partnership with the SBA, SCORE volunteers call themselves “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” The group consists of both working and retired executives and business owners who donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors. Their mentoring is free of charge. Check it out at <www.score.org>.
Women’s Business Center (WBC) State-run WBCs are nonprofit organizations funded by the SBA. According to the WBC: