SBDC Advising FAQ
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 productivet. 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.
Our Services
Advising Testimonials
“Ben Garza at the SBDC helped us with putting our vision into terms lenders could understand.”
Delma Flores, Little Lions Learning Academy
“Being a part of the SBDC program really helped my partner and I develop our vision for our company.”
Paul Mann, RRGP Services
“Patrice McElfresh gave me a lot of ideas over several months that helped start my business.”
Ellen Pfeiffer, Generations Concierge and Errand Services
“Mike Reyes did an outstanding job of analyzing my situation and directing me to a resolution.”
Kyle Gish, Dustless Air Filter Company
“Tom Hansis helped us to think through our next steps and focus on what we should prioritize on for future growth.”
Maria Day, Jump and Party Events
“Richard Sifuentes was a key influence on getting my SBA 8(a) certification. The experience we had with Richard proved to be invaluable.”
Frank Ogo, Interior-Exterior Construction Services, LLC
“The SBDC has proven to be a valuable tool. It will definitely be recommended to anyone that might ask.”
Barry Brickman, Patriot Express
“We are very fortunate to have the SBDC helping medical professionals take that next step toward independence.”
Dr. Jack Rountree, Texas State Optical
“Richard Sifuentes helped us with getting HUB certified and obtain our SBE/MBE certifications.”
Juan DeLeon, JDL Custom, Inc.
“Wayne Looff stayed with us steadily until we finalized our business plan and advised us on how to approach the banks.”
Deborah Key, The Big Sportsman, LLC
