Do you have an idea that you think would be the next great business? Are you already a business owner and you just need some help and assistance getting to the next level? Do you have an invention you would love to get off the ground?
I want to make sure that you know about a resource here in the DFW area. On yesterday’s program, I interviewed Mark Langford, the Director of the North Texas Small Business Development Center – here are a few facts I want to start off with today.
A new business is opened by an SBDC in-depth client every 27 minutes.
A new job is created in the US by a DBDC in-depth client every 6.5 minutes.
$ 100,000 in new sales is generated by SBDC in-depth clients every 5.5 minutes.
$ 100,000 in financing is obtained by SBDC in-depth clients every 14.5 minutes.
Now you know how I feel about “free.” What is the catch? This is a non-profit entity that is funded by the Small Business Association, local community colleges, etc. It is here as a resource.
They will take you through the entire process of going into business for yourself. They even cover the financing end of things.
I did ask Mark about obtaining government grants. Unfortunately, there are websites like this telling you that the Federal Government routinely gives out grants for small business owners. Mark stated that in 15 years of working with clients through the center, he has never seen such a thing. The Federal Government doesn’t just give out money to go start up a restaurant.
The Small Business Development Center also helps people with invention ideas. There are also a lot of companies that will claim to do this for a fee. The center does this for you for free. In addition, they will take an unbiased approach since they do not have any financial interest.
I would encourage you to go check out their website at http://www.ntsbdc.org/.
You can also listen to the entire Prudent Money Interview with Mark by clicking here.
Copyright © 2008 Prudent Money and Bob Brooks. All rights reserved.
