Frequently asked questions.
How should I prepare for my meeting with the SBDC?
Please be prepared with any of the specific questions you may have and/or
bring items that you may want us to review. It is helpful to bring something to take notes
with, as we typically go over a lot of information in our sessions.Do I need an appointment to meet with a Business Advisor?
Yes, our advisors are available by appointment only, typically Monday
through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Is there a cost to utilize the services of the SBDC?
No. Our advising services are no-cost, thanks to our sponsors: the Small
Business Administration, the Ohio Department of Development, and our host organization,
Ashland University.Does the SBDC provide any financing or grants?
No. We provide no-cost advising and can help point you to financing
resources.Do grants for my small business exist?
No, typically there are no grants, but there are a few via private entities
such as FedEx and Amber Grants that do provide grants for small businesses that have been in
business for at least a year.Do we write business plans for clients?
No, while we will not write your business plan for you. We will be there to
help you through the process and to ensure you successfully complete it. Writing a business
plan is a great exercise that forces you to consider and evaluate situations that you may have
not otherwise considered.What is considered a SMALL business?
We serve small businesses, and the SBA considers businesses with 500 or
fewer employees as being, “small,” so we can serve almost any business in the community.Do I need to have everything together before meeting with the SBDC?
No, we would rather help you from the very beginning, to help you avoid
costly mistakes and hurdles, so please do not feel you have to have “everything together” to
make an appointment with us.Who can use SBDC services?
We serve entrepreneurs and small businesses in Richland, Huron, Ashland,
Crawford, Wyandot, Marion, Morrow, and Knox counties. We can work with businesses that have
500 employees or fewer.