Entrepreneur Launch Pad

SBA Financial Programs for Small Business SBA is committed to helping small businesses, which are the backbone of the nation’s economy, thrive. Working closely with a wide range of lending partners across the country, SBA has developed a number of financial programs that address the various needs of small businesses. Evaluate Your Financial Needs Before seeking financial assistance, ask yourself the following questions to evaluate your business’s financing needs: Do…

10 Ways to Grow Your Business For those of you who have already successfully started a business and are ready to take the next step, you may be wondering what you can do to help your business grow. There are many ways to do this, 10 of which are outlined below. Choosing the proper one (or ones) for your business will depend on the type of business you own, your…

Maintaining your momentum in growing your business means looking forward even as you focus on the present. Forecasting and planning are critical to your continued success. Forecasting for Growth: Strategic Thinking To be effective as a leader, you must develop skills in strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a process whereby you learn how to make your business vision a reality by developing your abilities in teamwork, problem solving and critical…

Not Enough Time? You planned on getting to work early to finish the project that’s due today, but the car won’t start. Now where’s that mechanic’s name and number. You frantically search through your notes, but can’t find it. You’re mind’s yelling, “The project!” You start to panic. The clock just keeps ticking. Most of us have been swamped at one time or another. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities,…

Tips for Wise Decision-Making As you manage your business, you will be faced with important decisions that may impact the future of your company. This may seem stressful, but keep these tips in mind and you’ll find yourself making wiser decisions in no time: Define, as specifically as possible, what the decision is that needs to be made. Is this really your decision or someone else’s? Do you really need…

Managing Employees Although this may not happen right away in an entrepreneurial or new business. Sooner than you realize you will find it necessary to address the issues surrounding employee management. It would be wise to take the time, before you hire your first employee to develop an Employee Handbook. Employee Handbooks The company employee handbook is one of the most important communication tools between your company and your employees.…