Checklist for First Business Advisory Session

  

Please bring any relevant information that you may have on your business. Preparation for your appointment will help you to maximize the use of the counseling session. Please complete our SBDC Request for Counseling and bring the form with you to your first session.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know at least two days prior to your appointment by calling 413-737-6712. This will allow us to schedule another client for that time slot.

You should know the answers to the following questions before your first appointment:

• Has your idea been thoroughly thought out?

• Do you have a product or service that is needed in the marketplace?

• Have you identified a location?

• Have you done any test marketing?

• Do you know your target market?

• Do you know your margins/mark up?

• Do you know how much money you need?

• Have you analyzed your personal financial situation?

• Have you tried to develop a business plan?

• If purchasing an existing business:

  • Do you have financial statements? 

  • Have you investigated the reason for the sale?

  • What is the condition of the inventory, the building and the industry?
     

The MSBDC business advisor will counsel on the technical aspects of business management. The MSBDC business advisor will not:

• Give legal advice

• Write business plans

• Negotiate contracts

• Make decisions for clients

 

For additional information, please visit the following links:

Checklist for First Business Advisory Session  |  Do You Have What It Takes to Succeed in Business?  |  Preventure Considerations  |  Develop a Personal Budget  |  Guidelines for a Business Plan  |  Business Plan/Financing Proposal  |  Financial Resources  |  Business Obligations  |  How to Convince a Banker  |  Marketing Plan Outline  |  Frequently Asked Questions  |  SBDC Request for Counseling