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Business Information Center ServicesThe BIC also offers the following services:
Business ConsultationAt the heart of the BIC technical assistance program is our one-to-one consultation service. From the initial consultation throughout the business plan development phase, you will meet with a knowledgeable, experienced business counselor who can provide you with relevant and accurate business advice. In fact, all of our consulting staff have an MBA degree and years of business experience. Your consultation services are tailored to your individual time table and goals. We realize that most pre-venture business planning can be a timely process. In recognition of this fact, we offer on-going consultation through our Membership Services program.The initial counseling sessions are free or at a greatly reduced fee and help clients prepare sound business plans for successful implementation and/or to secure financing. By following the business plan template clients are educated in the areas of business entity declaration, federal and state tax enrollment, product/service development, market analysis, understanding competition and differentiation, forecasting and setting accurate sales goals, human resource issues, understanding financial documents such as cash flow statements, balance sheets and income statements, and risk analysis to name a few. Each client’s session is tailored to suit their specific needs and to maximize business success.
Business LibraryThe BIC Library is equipped with sample business plans and other printed resources, computers with business software, fax machine and copiers, as well as media resources such as video tapes and CD’s to assist the experienced or budding entrepreneur.
Membership ServicesThe Membership Services at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Empowerment Center are designed to provide value added services and networking opportunities for BIC clients. For the start-up business owner to the more established entrepreneur, services such as business consultation, access to business resource materials and media, meeting room facilities, networking events and workshops and seminars are a few reasons clients benefit from a BIC Membership. Please visit our Membership Services Page to view our Membership packages.
Professional Services GroupIn response to the requests of our clientele for referrals to professional services such as attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, etc., we have developed a Professional Services Group (PSG). This network is designed to give business owners the expertise and knowledge of industry-specific professionals who agree to charge discounted rates to BIC members. The desired outcome of this network is to provide the underserved community members access to business professionals who understand the needs of business owners who are in the start up and growth phases of their businesses. We believe that our referrals to accountants and attorneys will help assist clients in a greater understanding of business laws, tax planning, region specific issues and viable financial planning which will develop financially healthy businesses that will have a greater chance of achieving financing at the desired time.
Workshops and SeminarsAs part of our commitment to educating the small business community, we have established the GOAL (Growth and Opportunities through Applied Learning) Institute. The purpose of GOAL is to offer workshops and seminars which are designed to give relevant, accurate and the most recent information available to help small business owners maintain a competitive advantage in today’s economy. In keeping with our mission to primarily serve the underserved community, we keep our workshop and seminars well within the reach of even the smallest business owner. For example, most of our classes are $40 or less (except for QuickBooks which is still priced below market value).A few of the courses offered through the GOAL program are: Business planning and development, How to access credit in today’s economy, Tax and financial planning, leadership development, effective marketing strategies (how to define your target market, web marketing, web page creation, utilizing networking organizations like the local chamber of commerce and Business Network International (BNI), how to utilize basic computer technology, (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint), QuickBooks, etc. The programs are run consecutively throughout the year but are also based on survey responses. Please check our BIC Calendar to view and register for upcoming courses. |
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Business Information Center
