Small Business Development Centers offer a variety of services to small businesses. The services offered range from helping small business owners find qualified employees to helping entrepreneurs create a feasibility study. Find out more about the services provided by your local SBDC. You can also find out more about SBDC locations and how to find them.
Helping small businesses find qualified employees
Finding qualified employees is a common challenge for small businesses. A recent Wells Fargo/Gallup survey found that nearly half of small business owners report that it is difficult to find people who have the skills they need to grow their business. This is down from 34% in June, when a similar number of owners reported the same problem. As a result, small businesses have been struggling to fill open positions and compete with larger companies in their communities. In addition, the labor pool has tightened with the retirement of baby boomers and the decline in focus on vocational and manufacturing occupations.
There are several ways to find employees. For example, businesses can ask their customers to refer qualified candidates. They can also place a referral form on their receipts and reward cashiers for mentioning the referral program. A referral program is an excellent way to find employees. Colleges also have their own unique ways of finding employees for their students.
While it is true that finding excellent employees is not easy, small businesses can make the process easier by using applicant tracking software. An applicant tracking system, such as ZipRecruiter, will allow you to post job listings on over 100 job boards and social networks. It also offers a free trial, so you can see if the software is right for your needs.
Small businesses can also partner with local community colleges to develop training and educational programs for future employees. These organizations can host workshops and learning events at local schools to attract potential employees. By doing so, you can create a more appealing work environment for future employees and make it easier for them to grow and advance.
Small businesses have faced many challenges during the uncertain days of the recession. Now, as the economy starts to grow again, many of them are finding it hard to find qualified employees. According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 42 percent of owners report that they have no or few qualified applicants for available positions. This can stretch their finances and impact their ability to pay their creditors.
Increasing salaries and offering incentives to recruit new employees is one way to attract top talent to your business. However, these strategies may not work if you need to fill employment gaps quickly. Regardless of the method you choose, it is essential to find qualified employees. There are many reasons why you need to hire new employees.
A good employee referral program is a win-win situation for all parties. Although this is an old-school method, the process is free and is unlike social media.
Helping entrepreneurs create a feasibility study
If you have an idea for a new business, the SBDC can help you create a feasibility study that will help you decide whether the idea has a good chance of success. These studies evaluate a range of factors, including industry trends, legalities, costs, and human capital needs. They also give entrepreneurs important insights into the process of running their new business.
First, the small business manager must understand the current challenges facing his or her business. Moreover, the entrepreneur needs to know the key requirements at different stages of the business' growth. For instance, he or she may need to delegate some tasks to second-level managers. Or, he or she may need to change the management style.
Finding a local SBDC
A local small business development center (SBDC) can be an invaluable resource for small business owners. They offer assistance in applying for small business loans and SBA funding. While the SBA does not directly manage SBDCs, it provides up to 50 percent of the funding to each. Each SBDC is affiliated with a regional office to coordinate resources and ensure the best possible results for small businesses in their community.
SBDCs are located throughout the country, and offer free business counseling, training classes, and mentoring services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Many centers also have specialized services for veterans, women, and minorities. You can find a center near you by visiting their website. You can also find out more about the programs that are offered in your area by calling or visiting a SBDC in person.
Every SBDC provides slightly different services. Most offer free, confidential business advising as well as business management courses, workshops, and entrepreneurial events. Some offer free classes on topics such as QuickBooks and forming an LLC. Some offices also offer LivePlan, a free business planning software that can be used to create a detailed plan for your business.
The Texas Small Business Development Center Network has 60 centers throughout the state. All SBDCs offer free business counseling and training to small businesses. The help that is offered is tailored to the needs of each small business. Find an SBDC in your area to get started. You can also get help if you are unsure about whether your business has the potential to succeed.
If you're new to the business world, an Indiana SBDC can help you. The state has 10 regional offices, so there's a good chance that you'll be able to find assistance in your area. The experts at the SBDC are ready to help you succeed in your venture.