Big ideas for small businesses: experts are standing by with free or low-cost business help where you need it most

Art Business News, March, 2002 by Jennifer Wong

Whether you've been in business for 20 years or two years or just been dreaming of owning your own frame shop, chances are you could use some expertise and encouragement in running the business.

Frame shop owners are experts in the products and services they offer but are often left to navigate the business end on their own with little or no training. Framers aren't alone in their predicament--many small business owners feel the same pressures to serve as an accountant, merchandise manager, human relations and insurance specialists all at once. But you don't have to go at it alone and learn through the school of hard knocks.

An abundance of agencies and organizations exist whose sole focus is to help small businesses succeed in every way possible because businesses like those of frame shops play a vital role in the nation's economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) America's 25 million small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work force, generate more than half of the nation's gross domestic product and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy.

So whether you need help writing a business plan to apply for a loan, improving your marketing techniques or managing your employees more effectively, there are business experts standing by to help you at little or no cost. Here is a quick guide to some of the best organizations and Web sites available to help increase your business acumen and boost your bottom line.

Service Corps of Retired Executives

Sometimes, the best, down-to-earth advice comes from someone who has been there the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a national non-profit organization that provides free, personalized counseling offered by a group of volunteers who work closely with the SBA. The counselors can help businesses identify management problems, determine causes and propose viable solutions, as well as assist in evaluating business, marketing, operating and growth plans. They offer assistance with advertising, financial and other business processes and are available for long-term advising sessions if needed.

SCORE also offers low-cost, local work shops run by instructors chosen for their expertise on a variety of business subjects that hit a common denominator with most small businesses. An example of classes could include the following topics: starting a new business; building a business plan; marketing and sales techniques; money management; e-commerce; and e-business.

"The classes are like Business Administration 101 or boot camp for business people," said Monte Solkover, a counselor of the Seattle-based SCORE. "Most people are very good at their craft but have no previous experience running a business." Sometimes Solkover finds in his own counseling that it often works best for business owners to take a few workshops and then schedule a counseling session where he and the owner can get to the finer points of their specific problems or plans for growing their business. But you certainly don't have to wait to take classes before scheduling an appointment with a counselor.

SCORE has been operating for more than 35 years and has more than 12,000 member volunteers operating in more than 380 chapters nationwide. To find the SCORE chapter nearest, you look on its Web site (www.score.org) or call the national number of the Small Business Administration Office at 800-827-5722.

Business Information Center

Perhaps you would like to visit an information center full of reference material geared specifically toward small businesses? Business Information Centers (BICs), which are run by SCORE volunteers and the SBA, has the latest in computer technology, hardware and software with programs that include help to create a business plan, research potential markets or address legal issues pertinent to your state. In addition, the BIC has an extensive business library of books, publications and videotapes to help entrepreneurs plan their business, expand an existing business or venture into a new business area.

Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides financial, technical and management assistance to small businesses. The SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses and last year helped more than one million business owners. While the SBA doesn't give direct loans, it guarantees loans through a number of different loan programs including the Microloan program. The loan is available in increments from $500 to $35,000 to small businesses for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, machinery or other equipment. The SBA's primary loan program is the Basic Loan Guaranty that provides short- and long-term loans to eligible start-ups and existing small businesses.

The SBA administers a variety of seminars, programs, business fairs and confidential, on-site IRS counseling where you can get your specific tax questions answered. To contact the SBA office nearest you, visit the Web site (www.sba.gov) or call the national office at 800-827-5722.