November 11, 2008
Making the best use of available resources - people and money - to build a business requires planning and budgeting to make those decisions as effectively as possible. • The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce offers the Consultation and Mentoring Programs, providing assistance from fellow Chamber members who have an expertise in a particular field to help you grow your business. Consultations are offered to small business members in the areas of insurance, banking, marketing, accounting, computer, financial planning, engineering and public relations. The programs offer all members the opportunity to receive up to 60 minutes of free consultation each month for up to two years. Consultants are qualified professionals recruited from Chamber member businesses, willing to donate their time to help fellow members. • A business plan will help you think out in advance where you want to go, how you will get there, and what resources you will need. The Chamber offers an online course through SmallBizU called “Crafting a Business Plan,” available on our Web site. The Chamber also offers 18 other online college-caliber courses in Money, Management and Marketing that will help build a successful foundation for your business. • In order to grow your business, you may need help in financing. The Chamber’s ACCESS Loan Program is designed to improve your odds of loan approval by providing easier access to financing due to a partnership with twelve member lending institutions. The program provides valuable feedback from experts to assist you in putting together a business plan and gathering invaluable information for your success. To find out more about the Consultation & Mentoring Programs, the SmallBizU courses and the ACCESS Loan Program, visit our Web site at www.gainesvillechamber.com and click on Chamber Services or contact Tim Ledvina at 352-334-7105 Ext. 323. If you have a question for The Biz Wiz, e-mail tim@gainesvillechamber.com.