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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
About the SBDC:
What does the SBDC do?
How do I meet with a SBDC consultant?
What can I expect when I meet with a SBDC consultant?
How much does SBDC charge for its services?
How is the SBDC funded?
Are the SBDC and SBA the same thing?
I'm already in business. Can the SBDC help me?
I have a nonprofit business. Can the SBDC help me?
Does the SBDC offer classes for entrepreneurs?
Is what I share with the SBDC confidential?
What are the qualifications of SBDC consultants?
Finding Money
How do I know how much money I will need?
How do I get a loan?
Are there non-traditional loan sources?
What documents will I need to apply for a loan?
Is my credit score important when applying for a loan?
How do I find out what my credit score is?
Are there government grants for my business?
Does the SBDC provide financing?
Can I get an SBA guaranteed loan to refinance present debt?
Can the SBA lend me money?
What are angel investors and how do I find them?
How can I get access to venture capital?
Are there grants for minority-owned businesses?
Do certain groups get preferences on government lending programs?
I've heard that foreign nationals get free money to start a business. Is that true?
Are there special loan programs for minorities?
Management and Marketing
How do I find and retain quality employees?
How do I put together a marketing plan?
How much should I spend on advertising?
What is the best form of advertising for my business?
Should I advertise in the yellow pages?
How do I find new customers?
How do I keep my existing customers?
Do I need a website?
Does the SBDC offer classes in marketing?
Does the SBDC conduct market research?
I'm already in business. Do I need a business plan?
What are the elements of an effective business plan?
Will the SBDC write my business plan for me?
Who should write my business plan?
Do you recommend business plan software?
How long will it take to write my business plan?
What legal entity should my business be?
Do I need a lawyer to start a business?
Where do I obtain a business license?
Do I need a special license for my business?
What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?
Do I need Workers Compensation Insurance and how do I obtain it?
Taxes
Do I need a state tax ID number and how do I obtain one?
Do I need a Federal Employer Identification number?
What is the self-employment tax? Do I have to pay it?
Are there local business taxes?
What business expenses can I deduct?
Do I need to collect sales tax?
How do I find a good CPA?
Minority Business
What is the definition of a minority-owned business?
What is 8a Certification?
How do I determine which certification to obtain?
Which documents will I need to file for certification?
How long does it take for my business to receive certification?
Do I need to certify as a Woman-Owned Business and how do I obtain the certification?
"Expertise for Entrepreneurs!"
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Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Georgia.