Business Assistance

Chapter 9:The Business You're In - Page 9.12

Business Assistance

The Federal Government Agencies

The information gathering process will take you through several sources of business assistance. The best of them are the government agencies we've just discussed as sources of information: the SBA, SCORE, and SBDCs.

New businesses, small businesses, and business planning are good for the economy. Governments, higher education institutions, and business organizations know that and try to help businesses as much as possible. For you and your business, there is probably a great deal of help available. But you need to know where to ask.

In these pages, I only describe the United States organizations offering help to small business and start-ups. In other markets, similar organizations exist. Check with your Chambers of Commerce and industry organizations, government development organizations, and business schools.

Consultants, Accountants, and Attorneys

Consultants, accountants, and attorneys are the first line of business assistance. They aren't really the main focus of this chapter, however, and not because they aren't, in general, excellent sources of information. We have the utmost respect for the value of professional advice. In this discussion, however, we deal with relatively low-cost sources of business assistance, such as development agencies, local adult education and continuing education schools, and online information services. We don't have a lot to add to the general doctrine of how to choose a good business professional. Let the buyer beware. A good business professional is always worth the money, if you have the money. Unfortunately, not all professionals are good, and it's hard to know who's good until you've committed money.

Always try to get some good references on professionals — other clients, satisfied clients — before you use them, and don't forget to check those references. Furthermore, it is not always true that with business consultants you get what you pay for. In our experience, there is not always a direct correlation between the fees charged and the value provided.

The SBA says consultants "can be a great asset to a small business owner. A business consultant's fees typically range between $25 and $250 an hour. If you decide to retain the services of a consultant, make sure he/she is reputable and be certain that you understand the fee schedule up front."

Business Organizations

Explore what's available through local business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. Many areas have entrepreneurial interest groups, such as a new enterprise forum, entrepreneurs' association, or industry associations. Some also have municipal or county development organizations whose main goal is to help companies get started.

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