I want to grow an existing business
You're living the American Dream — you own a small business! The Institute for Economic Development can help with problems and projects that your business takes on. We can help you survive and thrive in two ways:
Confidential Business Advising
Marketing your Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Computerizing Your Bookkeeping System
Understanding Financial Statements
Government and Corporate Contracting
Minority Business Certification
Financing Options
Employee Issues
Government Contracts and Research Grants
Identifying International Business Opportunities
IRS Regulatory Compliance
Import Competition
Marketing your Business
Successfully marketing your business involves a clear understanding of your target market, analysis of your competition, careful budgetary considerations, and much more. We're here to help you learn more about developing a cost-effective, productive marketing strategy.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Do you understand the terminology and forms needed to set up and manage a financial recordkeeping system? Our counseling and workshops give you the tools you need to establish effective accounting and bookkeeping practices.
Computerizing Your Bookkeeping System
Quickbooks is viewed as the industry standard for small business payroll, inventory, sales receipts and invoicing, and tracking regulatory obligations such as sales tax. By the time you complete the two-part course, you'll be familiar with how to use the software for the day-to-day operation of your small business and you'll know where to find information about more advanced features.
Understanding Financial Statements
The balance sheet and income statement are more than just numbers needed to prepare income tax returns. Let our counselors guide you through the dynamics of important financial spreadsheets. Learn how to use financial information as a decision-making tool to maximize your cash flow, better manage assets, project debt service, and make important financial decisions.
Government and Corporate Contracting
Contracting with municipal, govern-mental, and corporate entities could establish or expand a target market for your growing business. However, learning the dynamics of identifying bid opportunities, bidding, performing on and managing contract finances can be overwhelming. Two programs of the IED can assist you with technical and management resources.
Minority Business Certification
As a minority business owner you may need specialized assistance to level the economic playing field. We can help by providing professional, technical, and management assistance, enabling you to fully participate in the local and global economy.
Financing Options
You've identified that your business needs money to grow - but where will it come from? Explore the benefits and dynamics of SBA guaranteed commercial loans, microloans, investors, factoring, and other means to fund your business growth.
Employee Issues
As your business grows, so must your ability to deal with employment and safety issues. Learn more about the importance of a drug-free workplace, the benefits of written personnel policies, and more!
New Product/ Technology Development
To introduce a new product or technology into the marketplace requires a management team as well as a network of experts to assist at each stage of development. The SBDC Technology Center can assist your company in everything from securing patents and building prototypes to manufacturing and distribution.
Identifying International Business Opportunities
Success in the global marketplace requires knowledge and resources for import/export market research and analysis, logistics and documentation, financing and payment alternatives, regulations, and so much more. The International Trade Center (ITC) stands ready to help small businesses successfully sell their products internationally.
IRS Regulatory Compliance
Understanding your federal tax obligations is a critical element in establishing and growing a successful business. Learn more about user-friendly resources that prevent tax problems from happening!
Import Competition
U.S. manufacturers hurt by import competition have high quality technical assistance available to help regain market share. Learn more about this resource!
Our advisors meet the highest ethical standards of confidentiality with our clients. Call the Institute at 210-458-2020 to arrange an appointment with an IED business advisor.
Workshops
Visit the IED Calendar of Events on the Institute's homepage to learn more about our free and low-cost workshops.
