Summary

Chapter 9:The Business You're In - Page 9.13

Schools and Colleges

Many local community colleges work directly with the SBA to house the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) discussed as part of the government resources in the previous section. The community college/SBDC combination is often an excellent resource for workshops, classes, and even business consulting, all of it with experts whose job involves helping small businesses and start-ups. SBDCs are funded, in part, by the school and the government. Call your local community college and ask about business classes.

Libraries

Local libraries regularly carry business periodicals and business books. Reference sections are frequently staffed by experts who are happy to help you find what you need. Look for magazine indices, trade association annual publications, and government publications.

Banks

Banks are often involved in local development activities, and even when they don't directly offer business help (some do), they will usually know where else you can go for help in the local area. The SBA says "many bank officers have a broad understanding of finance, business operations, and the local economic climate. Do not be afraid to ask your banker questions."

State Development Agencies

Most states have development agencies of one kind or another. They also offer information related to small businesses and start-ups, and can be valuable resources. Check with your other resource providers about state agencies. You can also look in your telephone directory for government agencies under the State category.

Summary

We are in a brave new world of too much information, not too little. It will be hard for you to sort through all the information you'll find on your business or your industry, hard to summarize, hard to decide what is most important. As you do, keep in mind that the business plan is supposed to guide decisions. It is not a school report or even a graduate thesis. If it doesn't have a business purpose — which might be describing the industry for a bank or investor, or for your own team, for example, but certainly not just to prove you can — then you shouldn't include it.

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