To succeed in business sometimes you need a personal trainer
Business counselors are a great resource to help you strategize, plan and implement your business plan. Think of them as your personal business trainer.
When starting, expanding, re-shaping or making any changes to your business, a good business counselor is a valuable asset. Think of this person as a personal trainer at the gym. They won’t do the exercises for you, but they will help you design a workout, learn the equipment and keep you on-track towards your fitness goals.
The good news is that there is a team of business counselors available throughout the state. By contacting your local MSU Extension office or Chamber of Commerce, they can put you in touch with the local MI-SBTDC or local SCORE office.
The MI-SBTDC is part of a national network of Small Business Development Centers committed to the launch of new ventures and growth of existing small companies. The MI-SBTDC is a partner program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), providing technical assistance, market research and one-on-one counseling to small companies.
Whether you are a new business start-up, or Fortune 500 company seeking to expand, their experienced staff will help you with a wide variety of industry-specific issues and challenges, then work with you on an on-going basis to identify and prepare for growth opportunities.
Among the many services offered include:
- Business & Management Advice
- Financial Assistance
- Financial Analysis
- Marketing Assistance
- Research
- Strategy Development & Implementation
- Leadership & Employee Performance
The MI-SBTDC also offers regularly scheduled “business fundamentals” business classes offered around the state. Visit the MI-SBTDC for more information and the class schedule.
Another great resource is the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a great source of free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business—from idea, to startup, to success.
SCORE is composed of more than 13,000 volunteer working and retired executives, who counsel businesses from 364 chapter offices throughout the country. They share their wisdom and lessons learned in business with aspiring entrepreneurs helping them start, grow and manage their businesses.
SCORE volunteers hail from every facet of the business community; some have worked at large corporations; while others have served in our military or worked for the local or federal government; and even more, spending years cultivating their own small businesses.
Last year, SCORE stimulated economic growth by helping almost 20,000 entrepreneurs throughout the country launch their businesses. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Association.
To learn more about SCORE and their free counseling services visit the SCORE website.
