Tips for Maximizing Your Experience with Your Local Small Business Development Center

As therapists, it can be hard to transition from just seeing patients, to becoming a business owner. You have to shift your mindset from being a practitioner, to being a small business owner of a private practice. For myself, one of my top tips would be to look no further than your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These centers are invaluable resources for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of knowledge, support, and guidance to help small businesses thrive.  These are often connected with a community college which is explained in the podcast referenced below.  

In this blog post, we'll explore some tips on how to make the most of your experience with your local SBDC.  Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)’s provide a wide range of resources, including business planning assistance, financial management guidance, marketing strategies, and more. Familiarize yourself with their offerings to identify how they can best support your business needs.

1. Schedule an Appointment: Once you've familiarized yourself with the services offered, schedule an appointment with your local SBDC. Whether you're a startup seeking advice on developing a business plan or an established business in need of expansion strategies, an appointment with an SBDC advisor can provide invaluable insights tailored to your specific needs.
2. Come Prepared: To make the most of your appointment, come prepared with specific questions and information about your business. Whether it's financial statements, marketing plans, or growth projections, having these details ready will enable the SBDC advisor to provide targeted advice and actionable recommendations.
3. Act on the Advice Given: During your consultation with the SBDC advisor, you'll receive expert guidance and recommendations. It's essential to take this advice seriously and act on it. Implementing the strategies and suggestions provided can significantly impact the growth and success of your business.  Invest in yourself and set small goals for your own practice and to set them at a pace you can manage without getting overwhelmed.
4. Attend Workshops and Training Programs: In addition to one-on-one consultations, SBDCs often offer workshops, seminars, and training programs on various aspects of business management. In my own local training, it was divine guidance. I was thinking of trademarking and the USPTO , I learned the difference between intellectual property rights.  The USPTO actually visited the small town of Twin Falls, Idaho the day I was thinking of doing it.  I trusted the universe!
5. Build a Relationship: Establishing a strong relationship with your local SBDC can be beneficial in the long run. By maintaining regular contact, seeking guidance when needed, and updating them on your business's progress, you can leverage their expertise as your business evolves.  These relationships are important to me and keep me motivated, but also allow me to clearly define my goals with support.  They know the struggles and can tell me when not to reinvent the wheel.
6. Provide Feedback: As you engage with your local SBDC, don't hesitate to provide feedback on the services and support you receive. Your input can help them tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of the local business community.

Check out our podcast with my contact from the Small Business Development Center in Idaho, Ann Swanson.  Your local Small Business Development Center is a valuable ally in your entrepreneurial journey. By following these tips and actively engaging with the resources they provide, you can position your business for growth and success. Take the first step today and unlock the full potential of your small business with the support of your local SBDC.