Finding funding for your business is often a make-or-break moment for entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. It can provide the capital needed to bring a brilliant idea to market, scale operations, and achieve sustainable growth. However, before approaching investors or lenders, it's crucial to lay a solid foundation that truly demonstrates the viability and potential of your business venture. By taking the necessary preparatory steps, you can increase your chances of success and present a compelling case that resonates with potential funding sources.
Read MoreNavigating the financial landscape can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a small business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, securing funding is often a critical step in realizing your vision. As a business coach with the Louisville Small Business Development Center (SBDC), I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless entrepreneurs through this process. In this article, I’ll explore some key sources of funds and resources for small businesses and offer insights to help you make informed decisions.
Read MoreIt is gratifying to know that women-owned businesses are growing in vast numbers around the country. As a business coach part of my work is to provide clients with resources in their community. This month, to highlight International Women’s Month, I would like to point out the resources in Louisville and Kentucky that support woman-owned businesses.
Read MoreInternational Women's Week, observed annually from March 8th to March 14th, is a significant time to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. This special week serves as a platform to recognize their valuable contributions in various spheres of life, including social, economic, cultural, and political domains. However, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent challenges and inequalities that women continue to face worldwide.
Read MoreAre you one of those people who have a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt? Do you often find yourself saying, "I'll do it tomorrow," looking at your “to-do list” as you lounge on your sofa in your comfiest yoga pants, a pint of SO Delicious dairy-free cashew milk mint chocolate chip ice cream in hand binge watching Emily in Paris only for tomorrow to become next week or next month?
Well, fear not, my procrastinating friend! I'm here to introduce you to the magical world of time blocking, a technique that's going to turn your productivity level up to 11! And if you really want to take a plunge into it, check out Cal Newport’s book “Deep Work.” Cal is the boss!
Understanding Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a critical aspect of modern financial and legal practices, especially in the context of international business and anti-money laundering efforts. BOI refers to the identification of the actual individuals who own, control, or significantly influence a legal entity, such as a corporation, partnership, or other legal structure. This concept is important for uncovering the actual individuals behind the ownership structure who may not be immediately apparent through legal documentation alone.
Read MoreHappy New Year! As we embark on another exciting year filled with opportunities for growth and success, it is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. In this month’s article, we will explore key marketing trends that are set to shape the business landscape in 2024. As an SBDC business coach, my goal is to empower you with insights that will help you adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Read MoreOne of the issues I’ve identified that prevents good productivity is procrastination. We all have experienced it from time to time but sometimes the stress and pressure of our professional lives make it hard to do anything. We freeze and just ruminate on all that we have facing us.
And after thinking about this for a while, I realized fear plays a large part in our professional lives. We all harbor certain fears. Today, however, we're delving into a different kind of fear. The kind that stifles your entrepreneurial spirit, paralyzes decision-making and impedes progress in your business, your professional, and personal life.
Read MoreToday I’d like to introduce another option for funding your business. We all know that to qualify for a small business loan, lenders want to see an owner investment of at least 10-20% of the total project cost to prove that you are committed to the project. Depending on your overall start-up costs, this can end up being quite a large amount of money that you may not have easily available to you. If you find yourself in this situation one opportunity for funding your business is through ROBS financing. ROBS stands for ‘Roll Over for Business Startups.
Read MoreAs we step into the new year, it's pivotal to anticipate and adapt to the evolving digital marketing trends that will shape 2024. To ensure your brand's resonance and competitive edge, here are the key trends demanding attention and strategic integration into your marketing initiatives:
Read MoreNovember is the ideal time to kickstart your holiday marketing campaigns. Plan early and execute targeted strategies to boost sales during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the entire holiday season. Consider using email marketing, social media promotions, and website optimization to capture the attention of holiday shoppers. A business coach can help you craft a compelling marketing plan that aligns with your unique brand.
Read MoreAs a minority-owned small business, it can be challenging to gain access to opportunities and resources that can help grow and expand your business. One way to overcome this obstacle is to obtain minority certification. Minority certification can provide your business with a multitude of benefits and opportunities that can help take your business to the next level. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of minority certification for small businesses.
Read MoreThe unique skill sets, quirks, drive, innovation, and passion you and your teammates bring to this work every day are what set you apart. These “human” resources are your superpower, they cannot be replicated. They are your biggest asset and advantage in running a successful small business
Read MoreRhonda Jones shares the building blocks to creating a successful small business including a clear business plan, effective marketing, and efficient operations
Read MoreWhile the process of securing funding may seem daunting, partnering with a Small Business Development Coach (SBDC) coach can be the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving your goals.
Read MoreProcrastination is a common behavior that many people struggle with, often leading to stress, missed deadlines, and unfulfilled potential. (If you’re not someone who has procrastination issues, congratulations superhero, you can stop reading now!) However, if you’re honest, I think everyone struggles at some point deciding to binge-watch Netflix instead of getting that proposal done.
Read MoreAccording to an article in the Courier-Journal, “In Louisville, 23.4% of residents are Black, however, only 2.4% of the population own businesses.” Here at the Louisville SBDC, we work to support Black-owned Businesses each and every day. One of my favorite aspects of being a Business Coach at the SBDC is the chance I have to work with other community partners. I would like to highlight some of the community resources available to Black Owned Businesses in Louisville, as well as ways to support Black Owned Businesses during the month of August.
Read MoreIn recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in accessing financial resources to start, grow, or sustain their businesses. Discrimination, lack of capital, and limited access to traditional lending sources have historically hindered the growth of Black-owned businesses. However, the landscape is gradually changing, with various lending institutions and initiatives emerging to address these disparities and empower Black entrepreneurs. Let’s explore some of the most prominent lending sources tailored to support Black businesses.
Read MoreEffective time management is crucial for achieving productivity, but I really needed to add some work-life balance too. One popular technique that can help you optimize your time allocation is the "Ideal Week" methodology. So, let’s walk through the basics of the Ideal Week, its benefits, how it differs from conventional time management strategies, and provide a step-by-step process to create your own Ideal Week.
Read MoreIn today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it is crucial for entrepreneurs and business leaders to understand the unique characteristics and preferences of the millennial and Gen Z generations. As digital natives, these demographics bring fresh perspectives, technology prowess, and a desire for purpose-driven work. In this article we will explore effective strategies for engaging millennial and Gen Z employees and customers, drawing on the expertise of a business coach.
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