Resources

http://sbdcnet.org

Visit our website for a hands-on look at some of the best and most often used research sites. There you will find resources for Business Advisors and small business owners who want to do their own research.

The Business Advisors Toolkit offers a collection of SBDC Advisors tools: spreadsheets, diagnostic checklists, forms, brochures, and articles. The document exchange contains a variety of downloadable forms and business tools in English and Spanish.

Success Stories

Erica Holt
Eastern Michigan University SBDC in Detroit, MI

"Valeria Duperron Montes came to the United States in 1996, knowing no English but with the desire to open her own store. Last fall, she realized her dream by opening "Casa Montes" (formerly Arte de Mexico), a store selling authentic, handmade art and furniture from Mexico.

Before making contact with her local SBDC, "it was very hard to get a loan." As a new resident in the U.S. and as a young woman she had to overcome perceptions by potential lenders. With the assistance of the Michigan SBDC located at Eastern Michigan University, she was able to put 'together a business plan and other materials a bank would need." She said the SBDC "treated me like I had a million dollars.'"

In order for her client to complete her business plan, Erica Holt, SBDC counselor, contacted SBDCNet for further information. SBDCNet provided the necessary research containing the industry trends, demographics, and marketing information. According to Erica, the success of the specialty store "could not have happened without SBDCNet".

If you would like to contact Ms. Montes about purchasing something from "Casa Montes", call: 734.281.1052.