Do you need help starting a business? When I started my business I had an idea, expertise, a newly printed PhD. I had my buddy Marcus Padulchick by my side (and even sitting on my shoulder), friends who would support me through anything, and a belief that I could build an empire. With all of my grit and support I stumbled…many times. I can remember hearing at a networking group that I needed a business plan…prospect management list and book keeper. I searched for how-to’s while also managing a business that was taking off at warp speed. I was struggling and I did not have to.
Don’t struggle through like I did…when you are starting a business your first stop should be the SBA.
Today I had the good fortune of attending the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Women In Business Committee where Sonya Smith (Economic Development Specialist at the SBA) told the group about the the services offered. Over the years of building my business I have often said “they do not teach you about running a business in PhD school,”
Let me just state again, that SBA is a federal agency…the resources provided are free of charge for you. So, when you have a business, starting a business, building your business (should I stay an LLC, how do I hire an employee) you can find resources to teach you what you need to know and make decisions.
Sonya Smith is an expert in helping small businesses grow in the greater Philadelphia area. I have personally called Sonya with questions regarding the process of getting certified as a woman owned business. She is as kind of a person as she is knowledgeable and encouraging. She helped me make a big decision and then encouraged me to run a workshop on social media at the SBA.
The SBA has many different programs, workshops and connections for you to take advantage of as you start and build your business including:
- Business Plans
- Capital
- Government Contracting
- Disaster Recovery
- Women Owned Business
- Veteran
