When you consider some of the most popular reasons to start a business, including pursuing a passion, calling the shots, flexibility, building financial independence, and learning new skills, it’s no wonder there are more than 28 million small businesses in the United States, making up a whopping 99.7 percent of all U.S. businesses according to the Small Business Association.
But not every small business is positioned for success. In fact, only about two-thirds of businesses with employees survive at least two years, and about half survive five years.
For a small business to be successful, first and foremost it must solve a problem, fulfill a need or offer something the market wants.
Ongoing business planning, including sales and financial forecasting, and marketing and management strategies, are also essential at all stages of business. The good news is, for the third time in Lassen County, help is available.
The Alliance for Workforce Development, a private non-profit corporation helping create stable and prosperous business communities throughout Northeastern California is currently accepting applications in Lassen County for their Business Success Program.
Designed to grow local businesses, the program offers no-cost services to eligible individuals at all stages of business development and operations – from business feasibility assessment and market research through startup, stabilization and expansion.
Since this is a federally-funded program, businesses must meet certain income requirements, and have 5 or fewer employees to be eligible.
Once enrolled in the Business Success Program, eligible individuals will meet one-on-one with local business, financial, and marketing consultants throughout the year, attend small group workshops on relevant topics, and get plugged into a supportive resource network.
Individuals considering starting a business will work with consultants to assess their ideas before sinking a lot of personal, emotional and investor capital into it. Some ideas are best left on the shelf, and that’s valuable information, too.
If the idea sounds like a feasible one, they’ll learn how to create an actionable business plan complete with financial and marketing strategies, so they can take the next steps toward launching their venture.
Existing business owners can get help creating a plan to increase market share, access new markets, hire and retain employees, manage growth and/or obtain financing.
To learn more about AFWD’s Business Success Program and other no-cost business services, contact Terri Hiser-Haynes at 530-257-5057, or email [email protected].
