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Small Business
MASSACHUSETTS EDITION 2020
resource guide
START
GROW
EXPAND
YOUR BUSINESS 1
2
CONTENTS
Massachusetts Edition 2020
Local Business Funding
Assistance Programs
8 National Success Story 24 National Success Story
Jerado and Joyce Reynolds Jennifer and Jeff Herbert’s
know their local landscape for meadery has expanded into a
entrepreneurship support. multimillion dollar enterprise
thanks to SBA assistance.
11 Local SBA Resource
Partners 27 SBA Lenders
13 Your Advocates 33 Need Financing?
14 How to Start a Business 34 Go Global with
International Trade
19 Workforce Recruitment
36 R&D Opportunities for
20 Entrepreneurial Resources High Growth Startups
21 Opportunities for Veterans 38 National Success Story
Cheeseburger Baby owner
22 Write Your Business Plan
Stephanie Vitori persevered
through a financial storm and a
natural disaster.
42 Surety Bonds
Contracting
44 National Success Story
Jennifer Rahn steers the course
for Admiral Engineering,
succeeding as a small business
subcontractor.
48 SBA Certification
Programs
49 Woman-Owned Small
Business Certification
ON THE COVER Alonso and Alma Moreno, courtesy of the SBA
3
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR
I
t is my honor to serve as Administrator among entrepreneurs in disadvantaged
of the U.S. Small Business communities, and continuing to prioritize
Administration, leading a dedicated disaster relief.
team of talented individuals across Within this resource guide, you will learn
America who are focused on helping more about the tremendous tools the SBA
entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand provides small businesses through our 68
their small businesses. The SBA is here to District Offices and numerous Resource
support the prosperity and longevity of our Partners, such as our Small Business
nation’s small businesses with timely and Development Centers, our SCORE mentoring
innovative resources to help them thrive in network, Women’s Business Centers, and
today’s economy. America’s entrepreneurs Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Featured
are innovators, risk-takers, and the catalyst in this guide are some of the remarkable
for employment opportunities within their success stories of entrepreneurs who partnered
communities, and they are what makes our with the SBA to take their businesses to the
economy so strong and dynamic. next level. The SBA encourages you to also
As we enter a new decade of possibilities, utilize these resources to help strengthen and
small businesses have a remarkable meet your business goals.
opportunity to continue building upon the
Sincerely,
success we’ve seen in our economy over the
last three years. As the voice for America’s
30 million small businesses, I am eager
to advocate on entrepreneurs’ behalf as a
Jovita Carranza
member of the President’s Cabinet. Whether
SBA Administrator
it’s seeking access to capital, government
contracting opportunities, business
mentoring, or assistance with disaster
recovery, the SBA is ready and determined to
help our customers succeed.
The SBA remains committed to continuing
our support of America’s entrepreneurs
and making an even bigger impact in
communities across the country. In
particular, the SBA is focused on elevating
female entrepreneurs and our military
veterans, expanding access to SBA resources
WE MAKE SMALL BUSINESS
OUR BUSINESS.
START • GROW • EXPAND • RECOVER
4
5
PUBLISHED BY
New South Media, Inc.
304.413.0104 | newsouthmedia.com
PUBLISHER
Nikki Bowman, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com
DESIGNER
Hayley Richard, hayley@newsouthmediainc.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Holly Leleux-Thubron, holly@newsouthmediainc.com
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmediainc.com
OPER ATIONS MANAGER
Meggan Hoyman, info@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR
Heather Mills, heather@newsouthmediainc.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Kelley McGinnis, Bryson Taylor
sba@newsouthmediainc.com
Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohib-
ited without the express written permission of the publisher.
© 2019 NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer Service directs
the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide under SBA Contract #SBAHQ-
17-C-0018. SBA publication summer 2019 national edition #mcs-0089.
WRITER/EDITOR
Becky Bosshart
(202) 205-6677
rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Paula Panissidi Tavares
paula.tavares@sba.gov
The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the views,
opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser or other participant
appearing here. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondis-
criminatory basis.
Directory listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any
opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.
Printed in the United States of America.
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information con-
tained here is accurate as of the date of publication, the information is subject to
change without notice. The contractor that publishes this guide, the federal govern-
ment, or agents thereof shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use
of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.
6
SBA Massachusetts
District Office
10 Causeway St., room 265 Springfield Office
Boston, MA 02222 1 Federal St., building 101-R
(617) 565-5590 Springfield, MA 01109
sba.gov/ma (413) 785-0484
@SBA_MA
District Director Letter District Director Economic Development
W
Robert H. Nelson Specialist
elcome to the 2020 edition of the U.S. Small Business Administration (617) 565-5561 Lisa Gonzalez-Welch
Small Business Resource Guide covering Massachusetts. Home rhnelson@sba.gov (617) 565-5588
of world-class higher-ed institutions, cutting-edge technology, lisa.welch@sba.gov
biotech, and healthcare, the Bay State is one of the best locations for Deputy District
doing business. The SBA helps make the American dream of small business Director Business Opportunity
ownership a reality. We are the only federal agency dedicated to helping our 30 Peter Kontakos Specialist
million small businesses start, grow, expand, or recover after a disaster. (617) 565-5562 Susan Lourie
To get started, visit an SBA office or one of our SBA Resource Partners. peter.kontakos@sba.gov (617) 565-5577
Starting on pg. 9 you will find listings for free or low-cost business advisers, susan.lourie@sba.gov
Springfield Branch
which includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors, Women’s
Manager District Counsel
Business Centers, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center. Interested in
Oreste Varela Casey A. Sieck
small business financing? Find out if SBA-backed financing is right for you by
(413) 785-0484 (617) 565-8411
consulting with an SBA specialist at one of our partner lending institutions, listed
oreste.varela@sba.gov casey.lyonssieck@sba.gov
in the green Funding Programs section. This guide also details SBA disaster
assistance loans and SBA-backed loans exclusively for small business exporting. Lead Business General Attorney
If you are interested in getting started in government contracting, read about Opportunity Specialist Alix Howie
SBA certifications and our business development programs. SBA programs and & Economic (617) 565-5625
services help you better compete in the public marketplace. Development alix.howie@sba.gov
We work with our state and local counterparts, in addition to economic Specialist
development organizations to increase opportunities in gateway cities, rural Nadine Boone Public Affairs Specialist
communities, and Opportunity Zones, often expanding from Historically (617) 565-8514 Norman Eng
Underutilized Business Zones. Opportunity Zones provide a tax break in which nadine.boone@sba.gov (617) 565-8510
investors can use capital gains to support long-term economic development. norman.eng@sba.gov
Stay up to date on SBA events near you and get valuable local business Lead Lender Relations
information by following us @SBA_MA. Register for email updates at sba. Specialist
gov/updates. Use our Small Business Resource Guide to power your dream of Ili Spahiu
starting, growing, or expanding your small business in Massachusetts. (617) 565-5569
ili.spahiu@sba.gov
Sincerely,
Lender Relations
Specialists
Carlos Hernandez
(617) 565-5565
Robert H. Nelson carlos.hernandez@
District Director sba.gov
Daniel Martiniello
(617) 565-5560
daniel.martiniello@
sba.gov
7
LOCAL BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
How We Did It
Alonso and
Alma Moreno
Owners, El Huipil & Azucar Tapas Bar
COURTESY OF SBA
Maynard & Acton, MA
8
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
W
ith an SBA-backed loan and business guidance, Alonso and Alma
Moreno opened their second Latin American restaurant. The
restaurants have grown into local destinations for authentic
cuisine and music. The Morenos also make handmade dolls
wearing huipils, a Mexican indigenous dress. Alonso and Alma
continue to consult with their local Small Business Development Center adviser,
Awilda
staying nimble and strategically growing in the challenging food service industry.
Their Latin concept has grown to three locations employing over 30.
Irizarry,
Challenge
It’s really hard for small businesses, especially those of us in the restaurant
industry, to secure capital to expand. We weren’t able to qualify for traditional
financing even though we're creditworthy and our revenue had doubled over
three years. We had good reason to open a second location, but we couldn’t find a our SBDC
business
lender to back us. We needed a substantial amount of capital up front to renovate
the kitchen, purchase restaurant equipment/supplies, and hire the employees we
needed for the new location. We also needed the help of a business adviser to get
adviser,
us ready to apply for a loan.
Solution
The SBA funds and supports local resource partners, like the Massachusetts
Small Business Development Center. SBA Resource Partners across the state offer helped us
understand
mentoring, counseling, and training for free or low cost to help entrepreneurs
like us. Awilda Irizarry, our SBDC business adviser, helped us understand how to
put together our business plan for expansion. She prepared us to take on a bank
how to put
loan; she answered our questions and shared stories about others who faced
similar issues.
The SBA also guarantees loans made by lending institutions to small businesses
that would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. We qualified for an SBA-
backed 7(a) loan from Eastern Bank to open our second location. We were able to together
our
pay off that small business loan in about two years.
Benefit
business
SBA support has allowed us to continue expanding. We have been able to create
more jobs, employing over 30. We’ve qualified for a third SBA-backed loan to
launch a new Spanish tapas bar. We have grown beyond our imagination and now
operate two locations in Maynard and one in Acton.
Secret ingredient for business success
plan for
Choose a great location to start your business. We are part of a great community
that embraced us from the beginning. When we were applying for our licenses at
the Maynard Town Hall, we met a town selectman and he welcomed us with open
expansion.”
arms, making us feel confident about our business venture. Alonso and
Alma Moreno
Owners, El Huipil
& Azucar Tapas Bar
COURTESY OF SBA
El Huipil owner Alma Moreno,
left, and General Manager
Adriana Martinez.
9
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
SBA Resource Partners
No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the SBA is here to help you achieve it. Our SBA
Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help you startup and thrive at all stages of the business
life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA
cooperative agreements or grants.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
950+
Achieve your dream of business ownership and remain
competitive in an ever-changing global economy with assistance
from your local SBDC. Access free counseling and free or low-
cost training on topics like regulatory compliance, technology
Small Business development, and international trade. Find an SBDC adviser at
sba.gov/sbdc.
Development Centers
SCORE
300+
Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced
higher revenues and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s
largest network of volunteer business mentors. Experienced
executives share real-world knowledge to fit your busy schedule.
SCORE chapters SCORE mentors are available for free as often as you need, in person,
via email or over video chat. Find a mentor at sba.gov/score.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS
100+
Women entrepreneurs receive essential business counseling and
training from this national network of community-based centers.
Each center tailors its services to help you navigate the challenges
women often face when starting or growing a business. To learn
about SBA resources for women visit sba.gov/women.
Women’s Business
Centers
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS
20 +
Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training,
counseling, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at
a Veterans Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. Receive
procurement guidance to better compete for government
contracts. VBOCs also serve active duty service members,
Veterans Business National Guard or Reserve members, veterans of any era, and
Outreach Centers military spouses.
10LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Our Local SBA SCORE
Resource Partners
Contact your closest SCORE office first
for an appointment.
Greater Boston
Massachusetts SBA Office
SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations 10 Causeway St., room 265
funded through SBA cooperative agreements or grants. Boston
(617) 565-5591
boston.score.org
Veterans Small Northeast Massachusetts
Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce
Business Business 583 Chestnut St., unit 8
Lynn
Development
(978) 922-9441
Outreach info@scorenemass.org
nemassachusetts.score.org
Center of Centers Cape Cod and the Islands
New Berkshire Regional Office
33 Dunham Mall, suite 103
270 Communications Way, suite 5A
Hyannis
England Pittsfield
(413) 499-0933
(508) 775-4884
capecodscore@verizon.net
Veteran entrepreneurs or small
msbdc.org/berkshire capecod.score.org
business owners can receive business
training, counseling and mentoring,
Central Regional Office Southeastern Massachusetts
and referrals to other SBA Resource Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Partners at a Veterans Business Clark University
The Carriage House 60 School St.
Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc.
125 Woodland St. Brockton
This is also the place to receive
Worcester (508) 587-2673
procurement guidance, which can
sema.score.org
help your business better compete for (508) 793-7615
government contracts. clarku.edu/offices/sbdc Western Massachusetts
Center for Women Northeast Regional Office 1 Federal St., building 101
Springfield
& Enterprise Salem State University
Enterprise Center (413) 785-0314
132 George M. Cohan Blvd.
121 Loring Ave., suite 310 contact.0228@scorevolunteer.org
Providence, RI
westernmassachusetts.score.org
(844) 404-2171 Salem
info.vboc@cweonline.org (978) 542-6343 Worcester Region
cweonline.org/vboc sbdc.salemstate.edu Worcester Regional Chamber
Southeast Regional Office of Commerce
Women’s 200 Pocasset St.
Fall River
311 Main St., suite 200
Worcester
Business (508) 673-9783
msbdc.org/semass
(508) 753-2929
info@scoreworcester.org
Centers Western Regional Office
worcester.score.org
Rhode Island
Scibelli Enterprise Center
Eastern Massachusetts Serving Fall River & New Bedford
1 Federal St., building 101
Center for Women & Enterprise SBA Providence District Office
Springfield
44 School St., suite 200, Boston 380 Westminster St., suite 511
(413) 577-1768
(617) 536-0700 (401) 226-0077
msbdc.org/wmass
info.easternma@cweonline.org ri.score.org
Massachusetts Export Center
Central Massachusetts 2 Center Plaza, suite 200.
Center for Women & Enterprise
Boston
69 Milk St., suite 217, Westborough
(617) 973-6610
(508) 363-2300 mass.gov/export
info.centralma@cweonline.org
1112
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Your
Advocates
The SBA offices of advocacy and ombudsman are independent
To report how a
proposed federal
voices for small business within the federal government. regulation could unfairly
affect you, contact
Advocacy Ombudsman advocacy.sba.gov.
When you need a voice within the federal Entrepreneurs who have an issue with
government for your interests as a small an existing federal regulation or policy To submit a comment
business owner, SBA advocates are here to receive assistance from the SBA about how your business
assist. They analyze the effects of proposed national ombudsman.
has been hurt by an
regulations and consider alternatives that The ombudsman’s office helps you:
minimize the economic burden on small
existing regulation, visit
» resolve regulatory disputes with sba.gov/ombudsman/
businesses, governmental jurisdictions, federal agencies
and nonprofits. comments.
The office, advocacy.sba.gov, helps » reduce unfair penalties and fines
with these small business issues: » seek remedies when rules are
» if your business could be negatively inconsistently applied
affected by regulations proposed by » recover payment for services done by
the government government contractors
To submit a comment or complaint
» when you need economic and small Make your voice heard by participating in a
through the online form, visit sba.gov/
business statistics Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
ombudsman/comments. Your concerns
The SBA Office of Advocacy also Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by
will be directed to the appropriate
independently represents small business the SBA national ombudsman. These events
federal agency for review. The SBA will
and advances its concerns before Congress, are posted periodically on the ombudsman
collaborate with you and the agency to
the White House, and federal agencies. website, sba.gov/ombudsman.
help resolve the issue.
13LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
COURTESY OF THE SBA
Adriana Medina, owner of
Fuerte Fitness, in Seattle, WA,
received counseling from a
SCORE mentor and a Women's
Business Center adviser.
How to Start a Business
in Massachusetts
Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.
customers, including consumer spending,
The Startup Logistics Name Registration
and a summary of existing businesses,
Even if you’re running a home-based Register your business name with the
available as a map and a report.
business, you will have to comply with county clerk where your business is
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
many local, state, and federal regulations. located. If you’re a corporation, also register
website has a comprehensive Business
Do not ignore regulatory details. You may with the state.
Resources section to help guide you to
avoid some red tape in the beginning, but
starting a business, visit www.mass.gov. » Secretary of the Commonwealth
your lack of compliance could become Corporations Division
an obstacle as your business grows. » Kirstein Business Library McCormack Building
Taking the time to research regulations Boston Public Library 1 Ashburton Place, 17th floor, Boston
is as important as knowing your market. (617) 859-2142 (617) 727-9640
Being out of compliance could leave you bpl.org/kbl sec.state.ma.us
unprotected legally, lead to expensive
penalties, and jeopardize your business. Business License & Zoning Taxes
Licenses are typically administered by a
» Mass BizWorks As a business owner, you should know
variety of state and local departments. It is
mass.gov/mass-bizworks your federal tax responsibilities and
important to consider zoning regulations make business decisions to comply with
when choosing a site for your business.
Market Research certain tax requirements. The IRS Small
Contact the local business license office
View consumer and business data for your Business and Self-Employed Tax Center,
where you plan to locate your business.
area using the Census Business Builder: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-
You may not be permitted to conduct
Small Business Edition, https://cbb.census. self-employed, includes information on
business out of your home or engage in
gov/sbe. Filter your search by business type paying and filing income tax and finding
industrial activity in a retail district.
and location to view data on your potential an Employer ID Number.
14LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
As the IRS continues to implement an employer to process Employment » Massachusetts Health Connector
some of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The U.S. (877) 623-6765
provisions, your tax obligations may Citizenship and Immigration Service mahealthconnector.org
change. For the latest tax reform offers information and assistance
updates that affect your bottom line, through uscis.gov/i-9-central. For Environmental
visit irs.gov/tax-reform. forms, see uscis.gov/forms. For the Regulations
employer hotline call (888) 464-4218 or State assistance is available for
» IRS Tax Assistance Centers
email I-9central@dhs.gov. small businesses that must comply
Boston
E-Verify is the quickest way for with environmental regulations
JFK Federal Building
employers to determine the employment under the Clean Air Act. State Small
15 New Sudbury St.
eligibility of new hires by verifying the Business Environmental Assistance
(617) 316-2850
Social Security number and employment programs provide free and confidential
Brockton eligibility information reported on Form assistance to help small business
120 Liberty St. I-9. Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 owners understand and comply
(508) 586-4671 or email e-verify@dhs.gov. with environmental regulations and
Fitchburg permitting requirements. These state
881 Main St. Health & Safety programs can help businesses reduce
(978) 342-0016 All businesses with employees emissions at the source, often reducing
are required to comply with state regulatory burden and saving you money.
Hyannis
and federal regulations regarding To learn more about these free services
75 Perseverance Way
the protection of employees, visit visit nationalsbeap.org/states/list.
(508) 775-0029
employer.gov and dol.gov. The
Springfield
» Environmental Protection Agency
Occupational Safety and Health
Small Business Division
1550 Main St. Administration provides information on
epa.gov/resources-small-businesses
(413) 788-0284 the specific health and safety standards
used by the U.S. Department of Labor. » MA Department of Energy and
Stoneham
Call (800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov. Environmental Affairs
1 Montvale Ave.
(617) 626-1081
(781) 835-4350 » U.S. Department of Labor james.cain@state.ma.us
Worcester (617) 565-2327 mass.gov/eea/ota
bls.gov/regions/new-england
120 Front St.
» Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
(508) 793-8227 Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(617) 315-9355
Department of Labor Standards
» State Taxes masscec.com
19 Staniford St., second floor, Boston
Massachusetts Department of Revenue (617) 626-6975 » U.S. Department of Agriculture
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. dlsfeedback@state.ma.us (413) 253-4300
(800) 392-6089 or (617) 887-6367 An online account with the Department rd.usda.gov
of Industrial Accidents lets all parties to farmers.gov
Social Security your workers’ compensation case view » U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
If you have any employees, including and file documents electronically, visit Northeast Regional Office
officers of a corporation but not the mass.gov or call (617) 727-4900 x7302. (413) 253-8200
sole proprietor or partners, you must fws.gov
make periodic payments, and/or file Employee Insurance
quarterly reports about payroll taxes Check your state laws to see if you are Accessibility
and other mandatory deductions. required to provide unemployment or & ADA Compliance
You can contact the IRS or the Social workers’ compensation insurance for For assistance with the Americans with
Security Administration for information, your employees. For health insurance Disabilities Act, call the ADA center
assistance, and forms, at (800) 772-1213 options, call the Small Business at (800) 949-4232 or the Department
or visit socialsecurity.gov/employer. Health Options Program at (800) 706- of Justice at (800) 514-0301. Direct
You can file W-2s online or verify job 7893 or visit healthcare.gov/small- questions about accessible design and
seekers through the Social Security businesses/employers. the ADA standards to the U.S. Access
Number Verification Service. Association Health Plans allow small Board at (800) 872-2253, TTY (800)
businesses, including self-employed 993-2822, ta@access- board.gov or visit
Employment Eligibility workers, to band together by geography access-board.gov.
Verification or industry to obtain healthcare
The Federal Immigration Reform and coverage as if they were a single large Child Support
Control Act of 1986 requires employers employer. For information, visit dol. Employers are essential to the success
to verify employment eligibility of gov/general/topic/association- of the child support program and
new employees. The law obligates health-plans. collect 75% of support nationwide
15LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
patents and federally registered trademarks
After working in corporate consult uspto.gov, call (800) 786-9199 or
America as a registered dieti-
tian, Swati Elavia decided to visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
embark on her own small busi- headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
ness journey. She qualified For inventor entrepreneur resources visit
for $125,000 in SBA-backed
financing from Leader Bank uspto.gov/inventors.
to grow Monsoon Kitchens in There are three types of patents:
Shrewsbury, MA. Her prepared • Utility patents may be granted to
foods are sold at universities,
corporate cafeterias, cruise anyone who invents or discovers any
lines, and retail grocery stores. new and useful process, machine,
manufacture, or composition of
matter, or any new and useful
improvement.
• Design patents may be granted to
anyone who invents a new, original,
and ornamental design for a
manufactured article.
• Plant patents may be granted to
anyone who invents or discovers and
asexually reproduces any distinct and
new variety of plant, other than a tuber
propagated plant or a plant found in an
uncultivated state.
A trademark or service mark includes
any word, name, symbol, device, or
any combination, used to identify and
distinguish the goods/services of one
provider from others. Trademarks and
service marks can be registered at
both the state and federal level. The
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office only
registers federal trademarks and service
marks, which may conflict with and
supersede state trademarks. Visit
uspto.gov/trademarks.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONSOON KITCHENS
» State registration of a trademark
McCormack Building
1 Ashburton Place, 17th floor, Boston
(617) 727-9640
corpinfo@sec.state.ma.us
Copyrights protect original works of
authorship including literary, dramatic,
musical and artistic, and certain other
intellectual works, such as computer
software. Copyrights do not protect
facts, ideas, and systems, although
through payroll deductions. You’re gov/programs/css/employers. Send they may protect the way they are
required to report all new and rehired questions to employerservices@ expressed. For general information
employees to the State Directory of acf.hhs.gov. on copyrights, contact:
New Hires. If you have employees in » U.S. Copyright Office
» MA Child Support
two or more states, you may register U.S. Library of Congress
Enforcement Division
with the Department of Health and James Madison Memorial Building
(800) 332-2733 or (617) 660-1234
Human Services to report all your 101 Independence Ave. SE
employees to one state. Find electronic Intellectual Property Washington, DC
income withholding orders and the Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are (202) 707-3000 or toll free (877) 476-0778
Child Support Portal, which can be types of intellectual property that serve copyright.gov
used to report information to nearly to protect creations and innovations. For
all child support agencies, at acf.hhs. information and resources about U.S.
16LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Associated Subcontractors Mass Development Bristol County
Economic of Massachusetts Inc. (800) 445-8030 (508) 676-8226
Development (617) 742-3412
associatedsubs.com
massdevelopment.com bristolcountychamber.org
If you wish to expand your Mass Ventures Brookline
current operations or are Berkshire Enterprises (617) 723-4920 (617) 739-1330
relocating to Massachusetts, (413) 236-2126 mass-ventures.com brooklinechamber.com
contact your regional office of berkshireenterprises.com
MIT Enterprise Forum East Boston
the Massachusetts Office of Boston Planning & (617) 475-8100 (617) 557-7310
Business Development. Development Agency mitef.org bostonchamber.com
(617) 722-4300
Western MA bostonplans.org
New England East Boston
Debra Boronski Business Association (617) 569-5000
(413) 733-5357 Capital Network (781) 890-9070 eastbostonchamber.com
debra.boronski@mass.gov (781) 591-0291 newenglandbusiness.org Greater Boston
thecapitalnetwork.org
Northeast MA Roxbury Innovation Center (617) 557-7310
Cooperative Fund (617) 858-6462 bostonchamber.com
Maria DiStefano
of New England roxburyinnovationcenter.org
(978) 745-2387 Cambridge
(800) 818-7833
maria.g.distefano@mass.gov cooperativefund.org StartHub (617) 876-4100
starthub.org cambridgechamber.org
Southeast MA Fairmount Innovation Lab
John G. Flores (617) 456-1131 Venture Forum Cape Ann
(508) 730-1438 fil594.org theventureforum.org (978) 283-1601
john.g.flores@mass.gov capeannechamber.org
Family Business Association Venture Cafe Foundation
(617) 896-5373 (617) 475-0711 Cape Cod Canal region
MetroWest vencaf.org
fbaedu.com (508) 759-6000
& Merrimack Valley capcodcanalchamber.org
Peter Milano Greater New England Minority Venture Development
(978) 970-1193 Supplier Development Council Center University of Cape Cod
peter.milano@mass.gov (617) 578-8900 Massachusetts Boston (508) 362-3225
gnemsdc.org (617) 287-6070 capecodchamber.org
Central MA umb.edu/vdc Central Mass South
Interise
Kevin Kuros
(617) 350-6300 Worcester Business (508) 347-2761
(508) 792-7506 x128 cmschamber.org
interise.org Resource Alliance
kevin.j.kuros@mass.gov
Massachusetts Bar (508) 799-1400 x3 Chatham
Greater Boston wbra.wordpress.com
Association (508) 945-5199
Margaret Laforest (617) 338-0500 chathamcapecod.org
(617) 973-8537 massbar.org Chambers of Chelsea
margaret.laforest@mass.gov
Massachusetts Office Commerce (617) 884-4877
Susan Whitaker of Business Development Amherst area chelseachamber.org
(617) 973-8537 (617) 973-8600 (413) 253-0700 Chicopee
susan.whitaker@mass.gov mass.gov/mobd amherstarea.com (413) 594-2101
1Berkshire Massachusetts Society of CPAs Arlington chicopeechamber.org
(413) 499-1600 CPA Referral Service (781) 643-4600 Corridor Nine area
1berkshire.com (800) 392-6145 arlcc.org (508) 836-4444
mscpaonline.org
Ace Next Gen Assabet Valley corridornine.org
info@acenextgen.org Massachusetts Manufacturing (978) 568-0360 Cranberry Country
acenextgen.org Extension Partnership assabetvalleychamber.org (508) 947-1499
(508) 831-7020
American Marketing Bedford cranberrycountry.org
massmep.org
Association (781) 275-8503 Eastham
(781) 647-7555 Massachusetts Restaurant bedfordchamber.org (508) 240-7211
amaboston.org Association
Southern Berkshire easthamchamber.com
(508) 303-9905
Associated Industries themassrest.org (413) 528-4284 East of the River 5
of Massachusetts southernberkshire (413) 575-7230
(617) 262-1180 Massachusetts chamber.com erc5.com
aimnet.org Technology Collaborative
(508) 870-0312 Blackstone Valley Easton
masstech.org (508) 234-9090 (508) 238-2225
blackstonevalley.org easton-chamber.com
17LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Greater Easthampton Metro South Provincetown Waltham west suburban
(413) 527-9414 (508) 586-0500 (508) 487-3424 (781) 894-4700
easthamptonchamber.org metrosouthchamber.com ptownchamber.com walthamchamber.com
Franklin County Metro West Quaboag Hills Wellesley
(413) 773-5463 (508) 879-5600 (413) 283-2418 (781) 235-2446
franklincc.org metrowest.org qhma.com wellesleychamber.org
Greater Gardner Middlesex West Randolph Greater Westfield
(978) 632-1780 (978) 263-0010 (781) 963-6862 (413) 568-1618
gardnerma.com mwcoc.com randolphchamber westfieldbiz.org
ofcommerce.com
Greater Shelburne Falls area Milford area West of the River
(413) 625-2526 (508) 473-6700 Salem (413) 426-3880
gsfaba.org milfordchamber.org (978) 744-0004 ourwrc.com
salem-chamber.org
Harwich Nantucket Island Williamstown
(508) 432-1600 (508) 228-1700 Sandwich (413) 458-9077
harwichcc.com nantucketchamber.org (508) 873-9755 williamstownchamber.com
sandwichchamber.com
Greater Haverhill Nashoba Valley Winthrop
(978) 373-5663 (978) 772-6976 Saugus (617) 846-9898
haverhillchamber.com nvcoc.com (781) 233-8407 winthropchamber.com
sauguschamber.com
Holden area Neponset Valley Worcester region
(508) 829-9220 (781) 769-1126 Somerville (508) 753-2924
holdenareachamber.org nrrchamber.com (617) 776-4100 worcesterchamber.org
somervillechamber.org
Greater Holyoke Greater Newburyport Yarmouth area
(413) 534-3376 (978) 462-6680 Springfield region (508) 778-1008
www.holycham.com newburyportchamber.org (413) 787-1555 yarmouthcapecod.com
myonlinechamber.com
Hyannis area Newton-Needham
(508) 362-5230 (617) 244-5300 South Coast Export
hyannis.com nnchamber.com (508) 999-5231
Lexington North Adams
onesouthcoast.com Assistance
(781) 862-2480 (413) 398-4084 South Shore Massachusetts Export Center
lexingtonchamber.org explorenorthadams.com (617) 479-1111 2 Center Plaza, suite 200
southshorechamber.org Boston
Greater Lowell North Central Massachusetts
(617) 973-6610
(978) 459-8154 (978) 353-7600 Stoneham
mass.gov/export
greaterlowellchamber.org northcentralmass.com (781) 438-0001
stonehamchamber.org Massachusetts Office of
Lynn North Quabbin
International Trade
(781) 592-2900 (781) 249-3849 Stoughton
& Investment
lynnareachamber.com northquabbinchamber.com (781) 297-7450
stoughtonma.com (617) 973-8543
Marlborough region North Shore mass.gov/moiti
(508) 485-7746 (978) 774-8565 Taunton area
Massachusetts U.S. Export
marlboroughchamber.org northshorechamber.org (508) 824-4068
tauntonareachamber.org Assistance Center
Martha’s Vineyard North Suburban (617) 565-4301
(508) 693-0085 (781) 933-3499 Tri-Town 2016.export.gov/
mvy.com northsuburbanchamber.com (508) 339-5655 massachusetts
tri-townchamber.org
Mashpee Greater Northampton
(508) 477-0792 (413) 584-1900 United region
mashpeechamber.com explorenorthampton.com (508) 316-0861
unitedregionalchamber.org
Massachusetts Chamber Orleans
(617) 512-9667 (508) 255-1386 U.S.–Eastern region
masscbi.com capecod-orleans.com (401) 831-8885
uschamber.com
Melrose Peabody
(781) 665-1522 (978) 531-0384 Wachusett
melrosechamber.org peabodychamber.com (978) 368-7687
wachusettchamber.com
Merrimack Valley Plymouth area
(978) 686-0900 (508) 830-1620
merrimackvalleychamber.com plymouthchamber.com
18LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Vocademy in Riverside, vocademy.com,
trains underserved populations for
vocational careers in manufacturing.
Indiana
Ruckus Makerspace in Indianapolis,
ruckusindy.com, provides coaching and
job placement complementing day-to-day
job skills training.
Massachusetts
The Clubhouse-to-Career Pathways
to Success program in Roxbury,
flagshipclubhouse.org/c2c, places its
participants in meaningful employment
matching their skill sets.
Missouri
Rightfully Sewn in Kansas City,
rightfullysewn.org, prepares at-risk
women and underserved populations
for entry level sewing positions,
increasing their tailoring and production
management skills.
New Hampshire
COURTESY OF WORKSHOPS FOR WARRIORS
Monadnock Art x Tech Makerspace in
Peterborough fills the need for qualified
welders in construction and industry, visit
Workshops for Warriors
welding student Nikolas monadnockartxtech.org.
Williams trains in the San Diego
makerspace, which receives New Jersey
SBA funding for its welding New Jersey Institute of Technology
and machining programs. Makerspace in Newark connects
Workshops for Warriors
places program graduates participants with entry level advanced
into advanced manufacturing manufacturing jobs, in addition to
careers nationwide. an apprenticeship program, visit
Workforce
njitmakerspace.com.
New York
The Foundry in Buffalo,
thefoundrybuffalo.org, operates four
makerspaces, metal and wood shops
Recruitment
and tech and textile labs, in support of
education and entrepreneurship.
North Carolina
Forge Greensboro connects untapped
talent to employment opportunities
Find qualified workers at these makerspace initiatives funded by the SBA. through pre-apprenticeship programs and
accreditation, visit forgegreensboro.org.
If you are a small business employing skilled laborers, access a new talent pool for
Oklahoma
recruitment at your local makerspace.
Fab Lab Tulsa prepares participants
How it benefits you with high-value skills to secure careers
These community operated workspaces provide training and resources to better prepare as operators and technicians in digital
workers for the job market, offering job-specific and soft skills training. Connect with one of fabrication, visit fablabtulsa.org.
these organizations to see if these makerspace participants could work for your small business. Pennsylvania
California NextFab’s Furnishing a Future program in
Workshops for Warriors, wfw.org, trains, certifies to national standards, and Philadelphia places trained carpenters,
places veterans into advanced manufacturing careers nationwide. visit nextfab.com.
19LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Entrepreneurial
Resources
Regional Innovation Clusters
Create jobs and grow the economy through an SBA Regional
Innovation Cluster. Online Learning
Who should join Find free short courses and learning tools to start
Small businesses driving innovation in one of these tech industries: and grow your small business at sba.gov/learning.
• advanced composites The SBA’s free Online Learning Center is a great
• agTech resource for every entrepreneur, especially rural
• bioscience business owners looking for easy access to vital
• food processing business training.
• data sciences Courses include:
• medical sciences • writing your business plan
• power and energy • understanding your customer
• unmanned aerial systems • buying a business
• water tech • marketing to win customers
• wood products • legal requirements
How it works • financing options
Each industry cluster is based in a geographic region. Your small • disaster recovery
business must be located in or near that region in order to join the
cluster. For example, the AgLaunch Initiative cluster, which focuses
on agricultural technology, is located in the Tennessee area. A
small agTech business in or near Tennessee will connect with
other agTech suppliers, service providers, and related institutions
through that innovation cluster.
Native American
Workshops
How it benefits you
Network with other industry innovators and connect with
resources that will help your small business find funding. You’ll
Tribal enterprises and business organizations
also receive guidance on how to better compete for government
contracts and other opportunities for growth and expansion. can receive entrepreneurial training at an SBA
Receive free technical and legal assistance to develop your tech Entrepreneurial Empowerment Workshop. These
and get it to market for government and industry buyers. workshops cover business concepts important for
Get involved starting, growing, or expanding a small business.
Find an SBA Regional Innovation Cluster near you by visiting RedWind instructors, SBA contractors, identify and
sba.gov/localassistance. Select the regional innovation clusters help participants avoid common pitfalls. Learn how
on the drop-down menu.
to prepare a business plan, gain access to capital,
and basic book keeping. Request a workshop in
your area by visiting nativesmallbusiness.org.
20LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Opportunities
for Veterans
Military community members become more successful entrepreneurs with the help of the SBA.
Entrepreneurship training Financing VIP Grow
In Boots to Business, explore business Strategize to expand and operate within the
Employee called to active duty? federal marketplace.
ownership and other self-employment You can receive funds that enable your
opportunities while learning key business business to meet ordinary and necessary VIP International
concepts. Walk away with an overview of operating expenses when an essential Enter or expand your federal and commercial
entrepreneurship and applicable business employee is called up to active duty in contracting opportunities overseas.
ownership fundamentals, including the military reserve. Ask your local SBA Get certified
how to access startup capital using SBA specialist or lender about the Military Learn about the service-disabled veteran-
resources. Boots to Business is conducted Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan. owned small business certification program
on all military installations as part of
on page 48.
the Department of Defense’s Transition
Assistance Program. Government contracting
Veteran-owned and service-disabled Need assistance?
Who’s eligible? veteran-owned small businesses that want Veteran and military entrepreneurs
Service members transitioning out of to better compete in the public market receive business training, counseling, and
active duty and military spouses. Boots to receive training from the Veteran Institute referrals to other SBA Resource Partners
Business: Reboot, for veterans, National for Procurement, nationalvip.org. at a Veterans Business Outreach Center,
Guard or Reserve members and military sba.gov/vboc. For veterans business
VIP Start
spouses, teaches this entrepreneurship information visit sba.gov/veterans.
Enter the federal market and become ready
curriculum off base in communities.
for procurement.
Register for either B2B program at
https://sbavets.force.com.
AVMAC President/CEO Bert Ortiz, left, and fellow
For women veterans U.S. Navy veteran and electrician Ken Morey
manufacturing a power panel bracket.
Receive entrepreneurial training geared
toward women veterans, service
members, and spouses through these SBA-
funded programs:
» Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of
Entrepreneurship in Syracuse, New York
» LiftFund in San Antonio, Texas
COURTESY OF AVMAC INC.
For service-disabled veterans
Learn how to start and grow a small
business using these SBA-funded programs:
» Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
with Disabilities in Syracuse, New York
» Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at
the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship,
Spears School of Business, Oklahoma
HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED
U.S. Navy veteran Roberto Ortiz puts his 40 years of aviation management experience
State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma
to use as a small business owner in Chesapeake, VA. Bert expanded AVMAC Inc. into the
» Veteran Entrepreneurship Jumpstart government sector fulfilling aviation and maritime logistical services with the help of
at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, his local SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center. VBOCs are the first stop for military
Pennsylvania community entrepreneurs looking to start, grow, or expand a small business. The
» Dog Tag Inc., affiliated with Georgetown VBOC located at Old Dominion University helped Bert obtain government contracting
University in Washington, DC business certifications. With support from his local VBOC, Bert has strategically
positioned AVMAC in the federal marketplace to better compete for large-scale
government contracts. From AVMAC’s first contract in 2010, this veteran-led company
has nearly doubled in revenue and grown to over 400 employees.
21LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Write your
Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan with the help
of an SBA Resource Partner.
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS
PLAN FORMAT
When you write your business plan, you don’t have to stick to the
exact business plan template. Instead, use the sections that make
the most sense for your business and your needs.
Executive Summary
Briefly summarize your company and why it will be successful.
Include your mission statement, your product or service, and basic
information about your company’s leadership team, employees,
and location. You should also include financial information and
high-level growth plans if you plan to ask for financing.
Company Description
Go into detail about the problems your business solves. Be specific
as to audience and location. List out the consumers, organizations,
or businesses your company plans to serve.
Explain the competitive advantages you have that will make your
business successful. Are there experts on your team? Have you found
the perfect location? Your company description is the place to boast
about your strengths.
Market Analysis
Demonstrate a solid understanding of your industry outlook and tar-
get market. This is where it pays to partner with an experienced busi-
ness counselor from your local Small Business Development Center,
SCORE, Women's Business Center, or Veterans Business Outreach
Center—all these SBA Resource Partners provide free or low-cost
business assistance. Competitive research will show what other busi-
nesses are doing and their strengths. In your market research, look for
trends and themes. What do successful competitors do? Why does it
work? Can you do it better? Now's the time to answer these questions.
Business plans help you run your business.
A good business plan guides you through managing your business. Organization and Management
You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, Explain how your com-
and grow your new business. pany will be structured
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new and who will run it.
business partners. Investors want to see a return on their Describe the legal Want to see an
structure of your busi-
investment. Your business plan is the tool you’ll use to convince
people that working with you—or investing in your company—is ness. State whether you
example of a
a smart investment. Brain storm with a business counselor (visit have or intend to incor- business plan?
one of our SBA Resource Partners detailed on page 10) and write porate your business as View examples of business plans
a traditional business plan, which uses a standard structure a C or an S corporation,
at sba.gov/business-guide/plan/
and detailed sections. Once you've got it all down, you can then form a general or limited
write-your-business-
condense it to a lean startup business plan, which typically partnership, or if you're a
plan-template
contains key points on only one page. sole proprietor or limited
liability company.
22LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
TRADITIONAL BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST
LEAN STARTUP PLAN FORMAT
Write a lean startup plan if requested from an investor, or if your
❒ Executive summary business is relatively simple or you plan to regularly change and
refine as you go.
❒ Company description
Lean startup plans use more visual organization tools and only a
❒ Market analysis handful of elements to describe your company’s value proposition,
❒ Organization and management infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for visualiz-
ing your company's fundamental facts. Your business counselor can
❒ Service or product line
help you edit down into the Business Model Canvas, used here—the
❒ Marketing and sales most well known style, or another lean startup template.
❒ Funding request Key Partnerships
❒ Financial projections Note the other businesses you’ll work with--suppliers, manufactur-
ers, subcontractors, and similar strategic partners.
❒ Appendix
Key Activities
List the ways your business will gain a competitive advantage.
Use an organizational chart to show the hierarchy. Explain how
Will you sell direct to consumers or use technology to tap into the
each person’s experience will contribute to the success of your
sharing economy?
venture. Consider including CVs of key members.
Key Resources
Service or Product Line
List resources you’ll leverage to create value for your customer.
Describe what you sell or what service you offer. Explain how it ben-
Your most important assets include staff, capital, or intellectual
efits your customers and the product lifecycle. Share your plans for
property. Leverage business resources that might be available
intellectual property, like copyright or patent filings. If you're doing
to women, veterans, Native Americans, and HUBZone–certified
research and development for your service or product, explain it.
businesses.
Marketing and Sales
Value Proposition
Your marketing strategy should evolve and change to fit your needs
Make a clear and compelling statement about the unique value
in each context.
your company brings to the market.
Describe how you'll attract and retain customers. Show how a
sale will actually happen. You'll refer to this section later when you Customer Relationships
make financial projections, so be thorough. Describe how customers will interact with your business. Think
through the customer experience from start to finish. Is it auto-
Funding Request
mated or personal? In person or online?
If you're asking for funding, outline your funding requirements.
Specify whether you want debt or equity and the terms you'd like. Customer Segments
Your goal is to clearly explain how much funding you’ll need over Name your target market. Your business won’t be for everybody;
the next five years and how the investment will be used. it’s important to have a clear sense of who you serve.
Specify if you need funds to buy equipment or materials, pay Channels
salaries, or cover specific bills until revenue increases. Explain how List the most important ways you’ll talk to your customers.
you'll pay off the debt.
Cost Structure
Financial Projections Will your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value?
Supplement your funding request with a prospective financial Define your strategy, then list the most significant costs you’ll face.
outlook for the next five years. Show how your business will be a
Revenue Streams
financial success.
Explain how your company makes money: direct sales, member-
If your business is already established, include income state-
ships fees, selling advertising space? If your company has multiple
ments, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the last three to
revenue streams, list them all.
five years. List collateral you could put against a loan.
Include forecasted income statements, balance sheets, cash
flow statements, and capital expenditure budgets. For the first
year, be even more specific and use quarterly—or even monthly
—projections. Make sure to clearly explain your projections and LEAN STARTUP PLAN CHECKLIST
match them to your funding requests. ❒ Key partnerships ❒ Customer segments
Use visual organization tools--graphs and charts—to tell your
❒ Key activities ❒ Channels
business's financial story.
❒ Key resources ❒ Cost structure
Appendix
Here you'll attach supporting documents or other requested ❒ Value proposition ❒ Revenue streams
materials. Common items to include are credit histories, CVs, ❒ Customer relationships
product pictures, letters of reference, licenses, permits, patents,
legal documents, and other contracts.
23FUNDING PROGRAMS
Financing Your Small Business
How We Did It
Crafting a
Business
SBA-backed financing helped Superstition Meadery expand
into a multimillion dollar enterprise.
written by Becky Bosshart
COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY
24FUNDING PROGRAMS
J
ennifer and Jeff Herbert’s Solution
home-based brewing has Thanks to guidance from an SBA
expanded into a global, Resource Partner, the Small Business
multimillion dollar Development Center at Yavapai
enterprise thanks to SBA Community College, Jennifer and Jeff
assistance. Using Arizona honey and learned about financing that worked
5
ingredients they’ve sourced from for them. The SBA guarantees loans
around the world (such as Tahitian made by lending institutions to small
Tips for
vanilla and Moroccan saffron), the business that would not otherwise be
Herberts are selling nearly 30,000 able to obtain financing. Their small
Success
gallons annually of their honey-based business qualified for two SBA-backed
fermented beverage. They operate a loans totaling more than $600,000. The
downtown Prescott, Arizona tasting Herberts’ first SBA-backed loan allowed
room and state-of-the-art production them to acquire commercial property to
facility, creating jobs and building design and build their mead production Get guidance.
a local craft industry. The Herberts, facility. Their second SBA-backed loan Develop a working relationship with an
founding members of the American provided the funding for professional SBA Resource Partner (see page 10) to
Mead Makers Association, have brewing equipment to complete their help you find the funding that works
traveled around the world hosting 7,450-square-foot production space. The best for you.
pairing events and pouring at craft Herberts recently purchased a historic
beverage festivals. building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona
to open a mead-pairing restaurant. Define your lending needs.
Challenge
Determine if a loan is right for you. Is
The Herberts wanted to scale up their Benefit
this the right time? How much do you
meadery while also staying true to The Herberts started with two
need? What are you going to use it for?
their values of quality ingredients and employees and now have over 20
craft process. It is often difficult for producing 29,000 gallons this year.
new entrepreneurs or unique concepts From a homegrown setup, Jennifer and
Talk to multiple lenders.
like a meadery to get traditional Jeff are now charting revenue in excess
See who best matches you and your
financing, even though they knew of $2.6 million and distributing to 37
business. Has the lender successfully
they had a great idea, the backing states, across Europe and Southeast
worked with other businesses in
wasn’t there to expand. They say that Asia. They have plans for another your industry?
choosing to do something new breaks expansion, including a shipping
the mold, which can be uncomfortable warehouse to manage their online retail
for traditional lenders. and wholesale orders.
Check all options.
Consult with your lender to see if
you’re eligible for SBA financing
programs, determined by your
industry & experience; collateral;
credit score; and the relationship &
transparency you develop with the
lending agent.
Be ready for the ups
and downs.
Your entrepreneurial endeavor will
be a roller coaster ride filled with
challenges and successes. The path
is all consuming so make sure that
COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY
you love what you do. Passion is the
price of admission.
Jeff & Jennifer Herbert, owners of Superstition Meadery, completed their 7,450-square-
foot production space and opened a tasting room in Prescott, AZ with the assistance of
SBA-backed financing. See their story on YouTube by searching for the 2019 National
Small Business Persons of the Year.
25You can also read
