Counseling Services

The Business Assistance Center offers long-term, in-depth, no cost counseling for existing businesses. The center has counselors who specialize in the following areas:

Accounting, Loan Documentation and Business Taxes

The center gives clients the technical assistance to successfully complete loan documentation. While the center cannot give tax advice, it helps businesses set up and refine its financial operations.

Business Plans

Instruction in creating business plans, as well as ongoing review, helps clients create a road map to successful business. A business plan is made up of the history of the company, demographics, operations, administration, financial, products/services, economic considerations and marketing. Clients learn to compare actual business results against projections on a regular basis to gain the business plan's full value.

Capital Sourcing

Knowledge relating to obtaining capital from private or institutional sources aids in finding appropriate funding and helps clients assess their qualifications to obtain loans.

Procurement

The center offers information to assist businesses through the procedures of selling to government agencies. Learn to qualify and bid on government contracts.

Product Pricing

Review of the product pricing, product mix and gross margin contribution can assist business owners in focusing on their most profitable products to enhance their sales figures.

Marketing/Advertising/Public Relations

Creation of a cohesive marketing plan and knowledge of marketing techniques can lead to improvement and expansion of sales. Learn to promote your business using various media, advertising, and public relations techniques.

Restaurant Operations

Expertise in food services areas such as menus, equipment and pricing aid the restaurant owner in a highly competitive field.

Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & New Product Development

Information relating to intellectual property helps a business protect products, logos and business names with trademarks, copyrights and patents. New product development gives clients ways to transform their ideas into marketable products.

Human Resources

Experience and knowledge relating to the organization, recruitment and delegation of responsibility to employees will improve day-to-day business operations.

Business Start-Up/Home-Based Businesses

Start-up business ventures profit from information relating to the sound business practices necessary to begin a business, as well as such necessities as license and permit requirements.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers profit from an implementation of finely tuned cost controls, product lines and distribution. Our counselors' years of expertise in the manufacturing field help clients accurately assess their businesses.

International Trade

Clients can gain an understanding of international trade, marketing and management techniques, as well as tools for cross-cultural communication.