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SBDCs in the News
Center helps out small businesses
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is fully staffed.
Marcus (he says his friends call him Marc) McKay joined Team SBDC in June. Marc will provide counseling and training services to existing and prospective small business owners and managers. He grew up in Greenville, Texas, where his family owned and operated a local furniture company.
He graduated from East Texas University with a BBA in Finance in 1984. After finishing his degree, Marc began working for Perfection Hy-Test Company (PHT), a manufacturer of new and rebuilt automotive parts with national and international distribution. As PHT's corporate credit manager, Marc was responsible for the company's accounts receivable and lending operations. In 1997, he joined El Paso Bell Federal Credit Union as vice-president of lending. In this position, he had oversight of the credit union's risk-based lending portfolio and related activities.
$107 Million Budget Increase for SBA, Small Business Programs Passes Committee
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Financial Services Appropriations Bill, which provides $107 million in additional funding for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its small business programs that will benefit America's entrepreneurs late Thursday. Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, worked with the leaders of the Appropriations Committee to secure the funding increase for the SBA's core small business programs of approximately 45% over the President's request for 2009. The bill increases funding for Small Business Development Centers by 24%, Women's Business Centers by 13%, microloans to $20 million from zero, contracting assistance by 87%, and veterans outreach programs by 62%.
SBA (SBA) Small Business Education Resources (SBDCs)
In my last post, I mentioned that I donate my time and expertise several times a month at our local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). I enjoy public speaking and sharing my 20 years of business and especially business finance experience. I have taught classes on cash flow forecasting, IRS rules for determining independent contract verses employee status, business start-up legal and bookkeeping documentation and a variety of other topics. In late August and early September, I am scheduled to teach classes on small business credit and collections, loan structuring, and cash flow forecasting (the topic I am most passionate about).
Customer service is lifeblood of company
Customer service is an active process coupled with a formal system. Customer service is more than a business tool — it is the lifeblood of your company. There is a legendary tale of the Nordstrom clerk who refunded the price of a customer's tires — even though Nordstrom doesn't sell tires. This is not the story of a very clever individual — this is about an entire corporate culture.
Think about what irritates you as a customer. It is not receiving the basics — a caring attitude, follow through on promises, taking little steps to help you buy what you want and to get out of the store. This is not rocket science but it does take some thoughtful planning.
Center helps launch small businesses: UTPB offers free seminars and career counseling
Ever since Todd Brown learned how to cook at 14, he dreamed of opening a barbecue joint.
"Cooking is my No. 1 passion," he said.
Brown's very own father mastered the art and spent years teaching his secrets to his son. It proved to be a challenge, one that Brown needed help with. He soon looked to the free workshops offered by UTPB for help to build his dream.
With the growing economy in the Odessa area, and booming population, it's no wonder that business seminars are in demand.
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