What is the Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center?
The Eastern Iowa SBDC provides counseling, training and technical assistance in all areas of small business management. Through one-on-one counseling and classroom sessions, the SBDC assists small businesses with financial, marketing, organization and planning. Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include international-trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture-capital formation and rural development.

 

Who pays for the SBDC program?
The Eastern Iowa SBDC is part of a statewide network of colleges and universities that joint venture with the federal and state governments, including the US Small Business Administration, to provide financial support for the centers. Eastern Iowa Community College District is the host of our SBDC. This support allows the center to provide consulting services free-of-charge to starting and expanding small businesses who cannot afford the services of a private consultant. There is a nominal charge for classroom training.

 

Where are you located and what are your hours?
The Eastern Iowa SBDC is located at New Ventures Center, 331 W. 3rd St., Suite 100, Davenport, IA 52801. Office hours are 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. The Director frequently travels throughout the district, however, and appointments can be arranged at your business. Please call us at (563) 336-3401 to arrange a meeting.

 

I opened my business a few years ago. Can the SBDC help me?
The SBDC provides an array of services to established businesses, including consulting in business planning, marketing, financial analysis, accounting and preparation of loan application packages. These services are available to any business falling within the federal guidelines for a small business which generally is 500 employees or less, and a maximum of $10 million in annual sales. SBDC Services

 

What training programs do you offer?
Programs in business start-up and planning are our most popular courses. We also offer a variety of programs in accounting, bookkeeping, sales and income tax and courses designed to train employees of small business. In addition, we have the vast training resources of the Eastern Iowa Community College District. Virtually any training your business needs can be supplied by contacting the SBDC.

 

Why do I need a business plan?
A business plan is the roadmap to success for your business. It will contain a description of the history and development of your business, an explanation of the products and services you offer, an analysis of your market and marketing strategy, your management team and your financial projections. If you need financing, you will almost certainly need one, but all small businesses, regardless of size, should have a business plan. Plans don't have to be complex, but they force you, as a business owner, to systematically think through and plan your business, understand your market, and organize!

 

I want to get started now. How long will it take to write a business plan?
Business plans don't have to be complicated, but they do take time. We suggest that you start by taking one of our 3 hour courses on business start-up or planning and completing the Business Plan Inventory provided by the center. The plan has four basic sections:

	Description of the Business
	Description of the Market and Marketing Strategy
	Description of Management
	Description of Finances

A plan can take from a few weeks, to a few months to write, depending on the amount of time you have available to work on it. No matter how long it takes, there is no substitute for a good plan! Guide to Writing  a Business Plan

 

How do I arrange for a consulting session?
If you are a start-up business, we suggest that you complete the "Boot Camp For Entrepreneurs" class prior to counseling. Counseling sessions are more valuable if you have started work on your plan and have a draft copy available for the consultant to review. If you are an existing business, just call the center and speak with the Director regarding your needs. SBDC does not place a limit on the number of sessions a client can request. Each client and situation is unique. Assistance is available to you as long as it is required.

 

Can I get a loan at the SBDC?
The SBDC is not a lender. In order to secure financing, you must work with a bank of your choosing. The SBDC will, however, work with you and your banker to assist you in preparing SBA loan applications, formulating your business plan and providing whatever technical assistance may be necessary to help you secure financing. SBA Loan Fact Sheet

 

What grants are available to new business owners?
The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. Grants are generally intended to benefit humanitarian efforts of non-profit organizations and companies. In most cases grants are not to enrich an individual or individual business. Free business counseling through the SBDC is the only "gift" you should expect in opening your new business.

 

 

 

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eiccinfo@eicc.edu