Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
The Small Business Development Center at UWA (SBDC) is looking for individuals who believe they have the perfect idea for a new business but don鈥檛 know where to start or have a business whose sales are flat and can鈥檛 keep up with the competition.
The SBDC at UWA exists to help individuals in Choctaw, Clarke, Marengo, Sumter and Wilcox counties in the western region of baby直播 to start, grow or expand a small business. According to the SBDC Director, Donald Mills, the center provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs across all industry sectors at no cost to them. As a network member of the (ASBDC), they provide clients access to a team of small business experts throughout the state.
Mills, who assumed leadership of UWA鈥檚 SBDC in 2007, is thrilled the center has a new home in Wallace Hall, and hopes the move will shine a spotlight on what he says is one of the university鈥檚 鈥渂est kept secrets. Plenty of folks around Livingston and even some on campus don鈥檛 know the center is here,鈥� added Mills, 鈥渁nd we want to change that.鈥�
Although businesses in the counties they serve face specific challenges unique to rural economies and populations, according to Mills and SBDC Business Advisor, Sarah Rose, they are prepared to work together to help their clients be successful.
One small business they鈥檝e worked with, a retail shop that sells hats, gloves and accessories, would have likely closed their doors if it wasn鈥檛 for SBDC assistance. Mills and Rose were able to help the women owners establish an online presence and adjust their business model. While their brick-and-mortar store is open only a few days a week, they are able to maintain a 24/7 online presence.
Another common challenge for small business owners and entrepreneurs served by the SBDC is funding. 鈥淥n a weekly basis the number one question our office is asked is 鈥榟ow can I find a grant to start my small business,鈥� because most of the clients we deal with,鈥� Mills said, 鈥渁re not going to qualify for a conventional loan.鈥� Grants are hard to come by but Rose can help clients search for and identify possible funding sources, including large corporations like baby直播 Power Company Foundation and Lowes. In addition to helping clients identify funding, Rose also assists with developing a business plan.
鈥淏ottom line is we essentially have access to all the tools people need to give their business a go, but not the start-up capital,鈥� noted Mills. 鈥淎nd while we don鈥檛 provide direct funding, we are happy to work with clients to explore different avenues for funding and deliver the tried-and-true services the SBDC is known for.鈥�
To schedule an appointment contact Donald Mills at (205) 652-3814, or email [email protected] or Sarah Rose [email protected].