Collin SBDC


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	General SBDC Questions What is the SBDC? Where is the Collin SBDC located? What are the hours of operation? What is the cost for SBDC services? How can the SBDC help someone whose business has been established for some time? How can the SBDC help someone just thinking of starting a business? What is required to meet with a consultant? How soon can I see a consultant once all of the requirements are fulfilled? What can I expect from my Consultant? Can you help me if my business is set up as a not-for-profit business? What is the Collin SBDC? The Collin SBDC is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Collin County Community College District. Through this partnership, one-on-one, confidential consulting is provided at no charge, as well as workshops and seminars on topics that are essential to business success. Mission Statement The Collin SBDC promotes small business success by providing management education. We assist small businesses in creating jobs and economic growth by utilizing the elements of quality counseling and training, community involvement and the leveraging of resources. Back To Top Where is the Collin SBDC located? The Collin SBDC has its main office located at the Collin County Community College Courtyard Center. Our address is: Collin SBDC 4800 Preston Park Blvd., Suite A126 Plano, Texas 75093 Map Back To Top What are the hours of operation? The Collin County Small Business Development Center's normal hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Of course, you're able to access all of the information on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Be sure to check out the links to on-line tutorials and other resources. Back To Top What is the cost for SBDC services? There is no charge for SBDC consulting services. The SBDC is a non-profit organization that is funded on the federal level by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and on the state level by the State of Texas. Each agency, along with the host university, contributes to the financial support of the program. The majority of our seminars and workshops are offered at no charge to our clients, although occasionally there are certain training events where a nominal fee is charged. Back To Top How can the SBDC help someone whose business has been established for some time? The SBDC provides one-on-one consulting in business planning, strategic planning, human resources, marketing and promotion, financial analysis, and accounting. Working with a consultant at our center you will learn how to more effectively: conduct financial analysis and improve profitability develop competitive strategies cope with government regulation and taxes design a marketing plan hire and manage employees understand and secure loans and other sources of capital keep abreast of current technology In addition, through our network with the North Texas SBDC we offer assistance in: implementing ISO 9001:2000 standards government contract procurement international trade obtaining a patent, copyright or trademark learning how to effectively manage business risk How can the SBDC help someone just thinking of starting a business? The SBDC offers a variety of classes for those individuals who want general information on starting a business, or who are in the initial start-up phase. These classes provide the basis for getting a business up and running. Class titles include: How to Start a Small Business Start Smart Business Plan Writing Legal Aspects of Starting a Business IRS Small Business Tax Workshop In addition to the classes, individual consulting services are available if needed. Working with a consultant at our center you will learn how to: determine the feasibility of a new business concept develop a business plan evaluate the purchase of a franchise or existing business seek sources of start-up funds obtain necessary licenses and permits Free Online Training is now available through the South-West Texas Border Region SBDC. This free online learning for small businesses and start-ups covers business plans, maintaining finances, starting a business, and creating a web presence. Back To Top What is required to meet with a consultant? If you have no small business experience we strongly encourage you to attend the "How to Start a Small Business" class. If you have previous small business experience, contact our office to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment with a consultant, you may contact our office at (972)985-3770 or gdaniel@ccccd.edu. Back To Top How soon can I see a consultant once all of the requirements are fulfilled? Once you have contacted our office, typically we will schedule you with a consultant within 5-7 business days. Back To Top What can I expect from my Consultant? At your initial meeting, your consultant will review your business plan or proposal, and then determine follow up actions detailing the items that both of you will be responsible for completing, along with an estimated time frame for completion. Back To Top Can you help me if my business is a not-for-profit business? Collin SBDC focuses mainly on for-profit businesses. We refer to SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) at 972-985-3770 and to the Dallas Center for Nonprofit Management at www.cnmdallas.org. Back To Top
Materials, services or products offered by providers to SBDC clients are available as a resource for you to locate professionals who can assist you with business concerns. Making these sources available to you does not imply or constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the SBDC, but is only intended to be a convenience for you. You must perform your “due diligence” by interviewing the individuals or companies to determine if they meet your needs. If you do retain their services, be sure to obtain your agreement in writing: who is responsible for what; what work is to be performed; what is not included; what is the cost. A partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Bill Priest Campus of El Centro College, a division of the Dallas County Community College District. Funded in part through Cooperative Agreement # 9-603001-0046-22 with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the policy of the Dallas County Community College District and Collin College that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran.