This will strengthen the local and national economy through the creation of successful small businesses. The skills of business counselors represent different talents, generations, ethnic groups and strengths. There are many business people with exceptional business management skills. However, transferring business skills into a counseling and mentoring situation requires additional and different skills than a business owner or manager may have used in his or her career.
Small businesses are a vital part of our community, and one of the most fragile.
Suppliers lose business and are unable to collect monies owed them, and may even fail themselves. Local banks and financing agencies can't collect on their loans. While each client's situation is unique, almost all of our clients need counseling in several areas, including marketing, finance, manufacturing, and insurance. Our community will have 60 new successful women small business owners each year. Our community will have12 new successful minority small business owners each year.