SBDC Advising FAQ

IED Programs

Our Programs Institute Home Page The Institute for Economic Development's diverse programs facilitate economic, community and business development at the local, regional and national level. Click on a specific program for detailed information.			SBDC Rural Business Program Capacity building Community assessments Business advisory services Business planning SBDC National Information Clearinghouse Market research for SBDC counselors Online learning Industry research and trends Southwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center Eligibility criteria for trade adjustment assistance Advocacy for manufacturing and service firms Services in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana Gulf Oil Spill Assistance: GOSDAA Startech Technology commercialization Enterprise formation Access to capital
South-West Texas Border SBDC Network One-on-one business counseling Research and market analysis Business skills training Ten locations in South, Central and West Texas San Antonio Small Business Development Center Confidential, 1-on-1 business counseling Business planning Financial analysis Loan packaging assistance Leadership and business training	SBDC Contracting Resource Center Business contractor services Employer services Veterans services Networking opportunities Women owned small business program Energy Saving Solutions Program (eS2) Sustainable business services SBDC International Trade Center Global trade consulting Market research Global business skills training Trade platform: SBDCGlobal.com	MBDA Business Center Management training and consulting Market research and strategic planning Government contracting and minority certifications Center for Community and Business Research Impact and feasibility studies Economic development research Market research Sustainable Business Program Business practices Disaster resilience Mabufacturing Commercialization

IED Services

How do I start a business?: Workshops and training; Confidential business advising; Market research and analysis; Access to capital; Customized services for veteran-owned, minority-��owned businesses; Technology Commercialization

How do I grow my business?: Strategic planning; Leadership development; Import competition; Loan application assistance; Employee management; B2B networking; Emerging markets; International trade

How can I help my community improve our economy?: Community needs assessment; Sustainable business planning; Emergency preparedness; Rural business development; Economic impact studies; Retail trade analysis; Capacity building; Market research and analysis

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Advising FAQ's

SBDC Advising FAQ

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Where can I find grants?

Grants are generally only available to non profit organizations. For more information, refer to Texas Grants, Federal Grants, SBA, and SBDCNet. Please ensure that you check eligibility under each grant opportunity. If You are looking for assistance for a non profit organization, please contact the non profit resource center of Texas.

Who can use the services of the SBDC?

Anyone with a physical U.S. address is eligible to take advantage of our services. Our services are open to anyone who currently owns a business or is interested in starting a business.

How much does it cost?

Our advising services are provided at no cost to our clients. The SBDC program is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Texas at San Antonio, which is the host institution for the South-West Texas Border Region SBDC and the San Antonio SBDC. You are encouraged to take advantage of these prepaid services. This funding occurs because of the impacts our clients achieved by working with the SBDC.

What if I don't live in San Antonio? Can I still use the services?

Absolutely. Not only are our advising services conducted here in the San Antonio office, but our counselors are free to meet with you at your place of business. Furthermore, we have branch offices in Seguin, Kerrville, and Pleasanton. Our Services serve Bexar and its surrounding counties. Eager to build the South Texas community one business at a time, we want to make our service as convenient as possible for our clients.

How often can a client meet with an advisor?

There is no limit to the number of times that an advisor can meet with a client provided that the meetings are productive. Some of our client engagements are short term and others span many years.

What are your staff’s qualifications for the services they provide?

We have a staff of experienced advisors who have owned their own business, have been a business consultant or have lending experience.

Why should we use your services?

It’s free! You can’t find a better deal! Business owners who use our services show Sales Growth that is 3 times the Average Texas Business and Employment Growth that is almost 7 times the Average Texas Business. Our staff of business advisors has over 200 years of business, financial, lending and business advising experience. Our clients’ successes are our best reference.

How can you help me with my business loan?

One of our experienced business advisors will be happy to guide you through the lending process. The advisor will discuss project feasibility, lender loan criteria and the reasons a lending officer wants a business plan and financial projections.

Who are your clients?

We work with business owners and potential business owners in a variety of industries.

Who refers people to your services?

We receive referrals from a wide variety of organizations. Loan officers, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Departments, and most importantly, our clients.

What can I expect from a meeting with a business advisor?

You can expect a professional advisor who will ask you pertinent questions and listen to your needs. Our advisors tailor the advising session around your specific experience.

What kind of assistance do people usually ask for?

Our clients ask for assistance in preparing business plans, financial projections, marketing plans and management assistance. Our advisors also provide assistance in a wide variety of specialty areas such as certifications, contracting, human resources, market research, etc.

How long does it take to complete a business plan?

It depends on the complexity of the business and the time you have to dedicate to conducting the research and writing the plan. A plan generally takes about 40 hours to prepare and this does not include the time you invest in research. Your business advisor will assist you with all stages of preparing the plan that you write.