Business Development Center
Business Startup & Growth Services
Turn an Idea Into a Business. Help a Business Move Forward.
Starting or growing a business can create income, independence, jobs, and long-term economic opportunity.
But entrepreneurship also comes with questions.
Where do you start? What business structure should you consider? What licenses or registrations may be required? How do you find customers, understand your finances, or prepare for growth?
SSA's Business Startup & Growth Services helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners understand their options, develop their ideas, and identify practical next steps.
How we can help
Practical Help at Every Stage.
Business assistance may include:
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Starting a Business
Helping aspiring entrepreneurs think through a business idea, understand the startup process, and identify the steps and resources needed to move forward.
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Business Planning
Assistance developing or strengthening a business concept, business model, goals, operations, and growth strategy.
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Business Structure & Registration Guidance
General information about common business structures, registration processes, licenses, permits, and resources available to business owners.
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Marketing & Customer Development
Helping businesses think about positioning, target customers, branding, digital presence, promotion, and practical ways to reach their market.
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Financial Planning
Helping entrepreneurs better understand startup costs, pricing, revenue, expenses, budgeting, cash flow, and other basic business financial concepts.
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Access to Capital Readiness
Helping business owners understand common financing options and prepare information that may be requested when pursuing grants, loans, or other sources of capital.
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Business Growth
Supporting existing businesses as they consider expansion, new services, additional customers, employees, partnerships, or other growth opportunities.
One-on-One Business Assistance
Every business is different.
SSA may provide individual consultations to help entrepreneurs discuss their ideas, identify challenges, organize priorities, and determine appropriate next steps.
When specialized expertise is required, we may connect entrepreneurs with accountants, attorneys, lenders, government agencies, business organizations, or other qualified professionals and community partners.
From idea to opportunity
Every Stage Has a Next Step.
Entrepreneurs may connect with the Business Development Center at different stages:
Some participants may only have an idea. Others may already be operating a business but need help improving marketing, understanding finances, finding resources, or preparing for expansion.
You do not need to be at a particular stage before contacting us.
Building Connections Around Your Business
Business owners can also participate in other Business Development Center opportunities, including:
- Business workshops
- Networking events
- Professional presentations
- Business-to-business connections
- SSA Business Directory
- Community promotional opportunities
- Partnerships and sponsorships
Important Professional Service Limitations
SSA provides business education, practical assistance, resource navigation, and connections.
Unless services are specifically being provided by an appropriately qualified professional, SSA does not provide legal, tax, accounting, investment, financial, or other regulated professional advice.
When specialized professional assistance is needed, we may help identify appropriate resources or professionals.
Start or Grow Your Business
Whether you have an idea, recently launched a business, or are preparing for your next stage of growth, the Business Development Center can help you identify your next step.