FAQs about SBDC
What is SBDC?
The SBDC is a cooperative effort of Washington State University, other universities,
community colleges, private sector organizations, the State of Washington, and
the US Small Business Administration
to provide business management and technical assistance, training, and research
to small business owners and managers to improve profitability and stimulate
economic growth.
Do I qualify?
Any business, community group, or individual can use the services of the SBDC.
Priority is given to those endeavors which, by working with a network counselor,
will most likely contribute to the growth and stability of the small business
community in Washington through increased capital investment and job creation
and retention.
Who can help me?
SBDC business counselors are broadly-skilled professionals
with significant practical experience owning and managing a wide variety of
small businesses. Most have extensive management consulting backgrounds. In
addition, the SBDC may utilize the expertise available among the faculty of
participating institutions of higher education and a network of state and
private sector business service professionals to address any specific business
problem.
What kind of counseling is
available?
One-on-one assistance is available for management and technical business affairs,
such as purchase or sale of a business, policies and procedures, cash flow
analysis, business plan development, business location analysis, market plan
development, plant layout and work flow analysis. This service is provided
without charge at 21 locations across Washington State. All financial and
other proprietary information is held in strictest confidence by SBDC counselors.
What kind of research is available?
Information regarding business or market opportunities may be obtained without
charge through the SBDC counselors at the 21 offices. In addition, the SBDC
research staff provides in-depth business research on a cost-recoverable contract
basis.
What if I have an innovative
concept?
The Innovation Assessment Center (IAC) provides an evaluation of the commercial
viability of an invention, innovation, or idea. Access to the IAC is through
an SBDC counselor. For a small fee, the innovator can obtain an assessment
of the concept, product, or service from a panel of experts. The report is
based on 33 criteria related to technical, production, and market feasibility.
What if I want to do business
overseas?
The SBDC counselor located at the US Export Assistance Center of Washington
(USEAC) provides guidance for export business ventures, without charge. Owners
and managers interested in first-time export projects may obtain a computer
analysis determining the firm's readiness to enter the export market. Additional
USEAC services, such as the identification of financing resources and preparation
of loan packages, are also available. Any SBDC counselor will assist in the
development of a strategic marketing plan for the product or service.
What publications can I read?
The SBDC, in cooperation with the
US Small Business Administration and the Washington
Department of Trade and Economic Development, have created a Doing
Business in Washington State series of publications to assist small business
owners and managers.
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