Smyth Entrepreneur Express #4 Presentation, March 18, 2010

1. Marion, VA March 18, 2010

2. Are you sure?

3. What Do These Entrepreneurs Have in Common? Confidence? Competitiveness?

4. An Idea? Drive? Identified Market Need?

5. A Plan of Action? Willing to take Risks?

6. Focused? Goal & Objective? A successful enterprise

8. Remember as a start-up your place in the food chain

9. Small Business in Virginia Small Businesses constitute 99% of all Virginia businesses. Small Businesses create over 60‐80% of all new jobs. Small Businesses account for half of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s contribution to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product ‐ a whopping $160 billion. Virginia is for Business Lovers

10. Virginia is for Business Lovers • Virginia ranked #1 state for business by Forbes.com last four years. • Ranked #1 most business friendly state by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. last two years. • Named #1 best states for business by CNBC. Virginia is for Business Lovers Ask VBIC = 866‐ 248‐8814

11. How to Start and Operate A Business

12. Who is the SBDC • Small Business Development Center • VSBDC Mission – To foster small business success and grow Virginia’s economy • Vision – To be the small business resource of first choice in Virginia Where business comes to talk business.

13. How the SBDC can Benefit you Through one-on-one Counselling, the SBDC can help you with… • Management Skills • Business Information • Business Planning • Productivity Improvement • Workshops • Networking Assistance • Loan application • Source of business financing • Financial Analysis • Marketing • Permits, Licenses and taxes Where business comes to talk business.

14. Business Planning & Strategy • 6 FORMS OF BUSINESS • Entity pros/cons • Taxes & Liabilities & Termination • Consider talking to an accountant/attorney before you decide. • Team of advisors Where business comes to talk business.

15. Why do I need a Business Plan • To seek financing from a bank, private investor, venture capitalists or angels • To provide you with a management tool • Forces you to take an objective view of your ideas • Serves as the road map to your objective Where business comes to talk business.

16. What goes into a Business Plan • Cover Letter • Statement of Purpose, Executive Summary or Request for Financing • Table of Contents (optional) • History of the Company • Business Summary • Definition of Products and/or Services • Industry and Competitor Analysis • Market Analysis • Marketing and Sales Strategies • Organization and Management • Operational Plan • Financial Statements and Pro Forma Projections • Capitalization/Equity/Debt Structures Where business comes to talk business.

17. Business Licence & Registration (7-Steps) • One - Determine entity • Two - State Corporation Commission • Three - IRS Forms - EIN • Four - Unemployment taxes – Va Employment Commission • Five - Registration – Va Dept. of taxation • Six - Local license/tax with local commissioner of the Revenue/Town Administrator • Seven - Other State Agencies for Licenses/Permits for professionals Where business comes to talk business.

18. VSBDC Offices New River Valley/ Radford University www.bac.asp.radford.edu Tel: 831-6056 Mountain Empire Community College www.me.vccs.edu/dept/sbdc/ Tel:523-6529 Southwest Virginia Community College www.sw.vccs.edu/ Tel; 964-7345 Virginia Highlands Community College www.vh.vccs.edu/cbi/ Tel: 676-5615 Crossroads Center - Galax Tel: 276-236-0435

19. Turn to SCORE Mentors for Small Business Advice Steve Willinger www.score.org

20. Seek Out SCORE Advisors TOPICS Small Business and Success About SCORE SCORE Services for You Resources for Your Business Looking Ahead Next Steps www.score.org

21. Small Business and Success Q: How big a part of the economy is small business? A: Small businesses create jobs and fuel growth. There are more than 29.6 million small businesses nationwide. Small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employers. Small businesses create 64 percent of new jobs. More than 625,000 new small businesses start each year. SBA Fact Sheet, Sept 2009 www.score.org

22. Small Business and Success Q: Why is mentoring important to you? A: Small business represents success on your own terms. Mentoring aids success Be your own boss Achieve your lifelong dream Create financial independence Mentoring increases your chances of starting* *Dr. Jianwen Liao, Illinois Institute of Technology www.score.org

23. About SCORE SCORE is America’s free and confidential source of small business mentoring and coaching. SCORE is a nonprofit association of more than 12,400 business experts who volunteer as mentors. Local business workshops and seminars Face-to-face counseling through 364 offices Email counseling through the SCORE small business web site, www.score.org Free and confidential business advice for entrepreneurs www.score.org

24. About SCORE Q: How can a SCORE business mentor help? A: SCORE mentors give real-world advice that applies to your business. Practical advice Business planning assistance Problem-solving for business challenges Growth strategies for business opportunities Confidential sounding board for your ideas www.score.org

25. About SCORE SCORE business mentors are volunteers. Volunteers who have achieved business success–and want to help you succeed in your business. Dedicated volunteers Confidential advice for your business Experienced business owners and executives Experts who’ve seen both economic highs and lows Pros with expertise in hundreds of disciplines www.score.org

26. SCORE Services for You SCORE can help your business in many ways. Confidential business mentoring Long-term business coaching Face-to-face brainstorming sessions Online email advice available anytime Local workshops and seminars on business topics www.score.org

27. SCORE Services for You SCORE services are available nationwide. More than 12,400 counselors nationwide More than 1,000 locations for mentoring Ask SCORE online advice at www.score.org Local business workshops and seminars www.score.org

28. Resources for Your Business Visit the SCORE Small Business Web Site: www.score.org How-to Advice & Info Ask SCORE for business advice online Find SCORE to locate any chapter in the country 2,000 pages of content for small business owners How-to articles offer practical business tips www.score.org

29. SCORE Resource: www.score.org The SCORE Small Business Web Site also offers: Business Toolbox— Workshops, tips and tools for your business. Learning Center— Industry articles and expert insights. www.score.org

30. Resources for Your Business SCORE Offers Free Resources for Your Business How to Really Start Your Own Business—a workbook available at your local SCORE chapter office. SCORE eNews—an email newsletter with small business news and how-to advice. SCORE Expert Answers—an email newsletter on leadership topics for entrepreneurs. www.score.org

31. Looking Ahead to Mentoring Q: What can a mentor bring to the table? A: Information, ideas and advice to help you succeed. Wisdom gained from the “school of hard knocks” Independent, thoughtful advice specific to your business Perspective from years in the trenches of economic cycles www.score.org

32. Looking Ahead to Your Success Entrepreneurial Success Factors A focused business plan Hard work, and plenty of it A quality product and/or service Good advice www.score.org

33. Looking Ahead to Create Success Build Your Business Success Play to your strengths Identify areas to improve Learn and grow as a leader Add to your knowledge base Form a network of trusted advisors www.score.org

34. Turn to SCORE 45 years of service to the small business community Award-winning business counseling and resources Resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Steve Willinger, Chapter Chair 423.989.4866 www.bristolscore.org www.score.org

35. Growing Your Business/Marketing Strategies

36. Entrepreneur Express March 18, 2010 MARKETING & ADVERTISING For The Entrepreneur Steve Willinger Small Business Marketing Professional Social Media Strategist Bristol, TN

37. Today's Agenda • Marketing Today • Social Networking • Planning for Success • Advertising for the Small Business • Developing a Marketing Budget

38. A Few Facts • Advertising is struggling • Expectations are increasing • Competition is everywhere • Time is a scarcity • Technology has become an integral component

39. Marketing is. . . “Everything you do to place your product or service in the hands of potential customers.” • Creating a customer • Keeping a customer

40. Social Networking?

41. Social Media

42. Marketing Plans • Anticipate future events • Define a direction • Create a blueprint

43. Marketing Plans “A written plan turns your marketing into a planned investment rather than a hopeful risk”

44. A Good Plan… • Easy to understand • Clearly links objectives to strategies • Specific and measurable • Flexible • Provides for checkpoints

45. The Marketing Plan • Reality Check * Current economy * Understanding success factors * Challenges your company faces • Customer Analysis * Demographics, purchasing behaviors • Competitive Analysis * SWOT analysis, competitive changes, challenges

46. The Marketing Plan SMART Objectives • Specific • Measurable • Accurate • Realistic • Time‐based

47. The Marketing Plan • Strategies must be linked to the objectives • Well thought‐out strategies can provide discipline • Minimizes the tendency to react • Provides a benchmark for measuring success

48. 7 Step Marketing Plan 1. State the purpose of your marketing. 2. Define your target audience. 3. State customer benefits to emphasize. 4. List marketing objectives & strategies 5. Describe your market 6. Establish your budget. 7. Prepare an Action Calendar.

49. ADVERTISING is . . . The most “convenient” method of communicating to your target audience the benefit of purchasing your product or service.

50. Fact: Most people ignore advertising The key is to ensure that they take notice of yours! HOW?

51. Make sure your company is Recognizable Location Regular advertising will build awareness Constant Focus on Sales and Marketing Community Involvement Public Relations Communication Customer Service

52. Make sure your company is Memorable

53. How Does Advertising Work? Advertising puts your company at the forefront of people’s minds. Advertising either stimulates a purchase or helps to ensure that people know where to go when they do decide to purchase. Advertising also confirms a customer’s decision that doing business with you was a good idea

54. Branding

55. QUESTIONS ASKED . . . • What is it going to cost? • What methods would benefit my business the most? • Meet with a professional

56. Advertising Budget Basics % of lifetime value of customer % of previous annual sales % of desired sales 8‐10% average retail (b2c) 4‐6% average wholesale (b2b) Marketing & Advertising = Customers

57. “It’s your turn for Comments and Questions” Steve Willinger Small Business Marketing Professional Social Media Strategist (423) 797‐0355 smwillinger@gmail.com stevewillinger.com linkedin.com/in/stevewillinger facebook.com/stevewillinger

58. Tourism Business Development & Marketing Assistance Kitty Barker Development Specialist – Partnership Marketing Virginia Tourism Corporation kbarker@virginia.org 276-466-8772 www.vatc.org (industry) www.virginia.org (consumer)

59. • 19.2 billion in revenue • supported 210,620 jobs • provided $1.28 billion in state and local tax revenue Impact of Tourism in VA ‐ 2008

61. • Advertising • Customer Service & Industry Relations • Electronic Marketing • Film Office • Marketing & Promotion • Public Relations • Research • Tourism Development • Others Virginia Tourism Corp. Services

63. • Wilderness Road Heritage Trail • Virginia Coal Heritage Trail • ‘Round the Mountain • Heartwood • Spearhead Trails Development & Partnership Marketing

64. • Planning Assistance • Marketing Guidance • Workshops Business Assistance

65. • Marketing Leverage Program Funding

66. •Canoe Rentals and Tours •Fishing and Boating Rentals •Bicycle Tours and Outfitters •Adventure/Nature Camps Tourism Business Opportunities

67. •Wineries/Vineyards •Corn Maze •Pumpkin Patch •Pick Your Own •Animal Parks •Herb/Flower Farms •Christmas Trees Farms Agri‐tourism

68. •Bed & Breakfast Inns •Cabins and Cottages •Lodges •Campgrounds •Horse Campgrounds •Horse Stables/Barns •House Boats •Green Lodging Unique Lodging Opportunities

69. •Music/Theater Venues •Artisan Studios/Galleries •Heritage Sites •Tea Rooms •Breweries/Pubs •Eclectic Restaurants •Shopping •Spas Attractions

70. Caterers Cleaning Services Food/Drink Distributors Electricians Restaurant Equipment Plumbers Security Systems Pool Maintenance Convenient Stores Lawn Care Web Site Designers Auto Repair Ad Agencies Events Planners Travel Agencies Florists Motorcoach Companies Linen Services Car Rental Offices Ancillary Businesses

71. 6 Questions You Should Answer • What are we trying to accomplish? • Who is our target audience? • What message will move our audience? • What vehicle do we have to deliver the message? • What are our resources? • How do we measure our performance/success? Marketing Tips

72. Marketing Plans Change • Because of business growth • Because of research • Because of economic factors • Because of technology (social media) • Because there is always change Marketing Tips

73. Virginia’s Recent Ad Campaign

74. Targeting Niches • Traditional Music (Crooked Road) • Cultural Heritage (Coal Heritage Trail) • Anglers (Fish Virginia First) •Outdoor Enthusiasts •Weddings/Meetings/Group Tours Marketing Tips

75. Public Relations Marketing Tips

76. • Visit www.vatc.org & www.virginia.org • Sign up for the Dashboard e‐newsletter • Attend at VTC Help Desk event • Establish relationships with all VTC divisions – tap into our services (i.e. marketing, advertising, research, etc.) Learn More About VTC Services

77. Kitty Barker Development Specialist – Partnership Marketing Virginia Tourism Corporation kbarker@virginia.org 276-466-8772 www.vatc.org (industry) www.virginia.org (consumer)

78. Financing & Managing Resources

80. Helpful Hint #1 Get Your Financial House In Order Obtain a copy of your personal credit report. • Check for any inaccuracies or mistakes. • Make certain that all accounts are current and there are no outstanding judgments or liens. • If there is any derogatory information, be proactive and prepare to explain the problems and why the problem is not likely to occur again. Gather personal and/or business records • For the past three years, including: • Tax returns, financial statements with schedules and attachments, and interim year-to-date financial statements. • Any other financial documents that might help a lender. • Neatly photocopy all of the documents and prepare them for your presentation. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 80

81. Helpful Hint #2 Understand What Your Lender is looking for Be specific in what you are asking for • Know how much you need • Be prepared to support all costs with estimates, invoices, or contracts • Never tell a lender that you want to borrow as much money as possible. Primary source of repayment • Be able to demonstrate how you will pay back the loan • Debt Service Coverage = Earnings before Interest, Taxes, and Depreciation / Total Debt Service • Debt to Income= Debt service / Income available to service debt Secondary source of repayment (back up plan) • Be prepared to be able to demonstrate how your lender will be paid back if income falls short • Be prepared to have guarantors and possible collateral © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 81

82. Helpful Hint #3 Recognize Your Strengths And Weaknesses Bank underwriters are paid to identify risk • Business owners tend to be optimistic • Be prepared for scrutiny • Address your strengths and challenges realistically & honestly Most common weaknesses lenders find are: • Inability to demonstrate repayment ability • Insufficient collateral • Lack of management experience • Insufficient cash injection • Poor personal credit Don't get scared; just get prepared • Depending on the severity of any particular weakness, you can often overcome it if you are prepared with a particularly noteworthy and compensating strength. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 82

83. Sources of Financing Credit Cards o Most expensive o Credit lines may be cut unexpectedly o Most risk Personal Savings o Lowest expense o Lowest risk o Do not use all of your savings for start up costs Bank financing o Low cost o Shorter term o Higher equity requirements Small Business Administration guaranteed loans o Low cost o Longer terms o Reduced equity requirements o Lower risk to partner Banks o Multiple plans to address real estate, equipment, and working capital needs Non-profit community lenders (People Inc, etc) © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 83

84. Why NOW is the Best Time EVER to get a SBA Loan? More companies than ever are eligible Tangible net worth <$8.5MM Net profits <$3MM in each of last two years Transaction costs are at an all time low SBA has waived the guarantee fee – usually ~2 points Interest rates are at all time lows Congress is now acting to increase lending limits, waive fees, and bolster lending! © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 84

85. Advantages to SBA Loans Lower down payment Up to 90% financing on Owner Occupied Real Estate Up to 85% financing on Business Acquisition Up to 90% financing on Partner Buy Out Longer amortization 20 – 25 Year Term on Owner Occupied Real Estate 10 Year Term on Business Acquisition or Refinance Can lend with collateral shortfall SBA does not have specific LTV Must take “All available collateral” © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 85

86. Types of Deals Financed Acquisition of Owner Occupied Real Estate Financing available up to $9MM Refinance of Existing Debt Up to $2MM Must cut payments by 10% or more Business Acquisition Individual or corporate buyers Partner or Management Buy-Outs Loans up to $1.75MM Start Ups Require 30% equity © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 86

87. Why Wells Fargo SBA Lending Largest lender in United States Closed over $900MM in 2009 – three times nearest competitor Experienced Lenders and Underwriters Preferred SBA Lender Growing while others contract 2010 Goal - $1.2B It’s a marathon not a sprint We don’t sell our loans © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. For public use. 87

89. People Incorporated Financial Services

91. • Chartered in 1964 as first rural Community Action Agency in the United States • Offer a diverse range of development services and programs throughout Western Virginia

92. • BusinesStart • Training and Technical Assistance • Consumer Loan Program • IDA • Cars for Work • Ninth District Development Financing, Inc. • New Market Tax Credit Program

93. People Inc Financial Services • Promotes economic self‐sufficiency and a better quality of life for the region’s citizens through small business ownership, job creation, and asset development. • Provides business training, technical assistance, and makes business loans. • Partners with the local banking community and focuses services on customers who may not be eligible for bank financing.

94. BusinesStart • Classes are offered to assist in educating the customer on Business Development. • Loans available up to $200,000 for start up or existing businesses. • Continuing assistance to customers once the business is up and running.

95. Training and Technical Assistance • Business Basics Workshop • Core Four Business Planning Course • Customer Service Workshop with partner Virginia Tourism Cooperation • Social Media Workshop‐ You‐Link‐Twit‐Face with partners Virginia Dept of Business Assistance and Virginia Tourism Corporation

96. Consumer Loan Program • Loans available up to $10,000 • Interest Rate = Prime + 5.0% • Terms up to 36 months • Credit problems understood • Loans must have collateral • Loans for: – Home Improvements – Car Repairs – Payoff Payday Loans – Bill Consolidation

97. IDA • Individual Development Account – special matched savings designed to help working people develop assets. • The money needs to be used for certain things: – Home Ownership – Secondary Education – Small Business Ownership • Service Areas: Counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, and Washington and the City of Bristol.

98. IDA Award • People Incorporated at the Federal Reserve in Richmond being awarded for having the most graduates in the state.

99. Cars for Work • Transportation initiative offered to working TANF eligible participants. • 0% interest rate, up to $3,000 for 24 months. • Service areas: Counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Wise, Scott, Tazewell, and Washington and the Cities of Bristol and Norton.

100. NDDF Ninth District Development Financing, Inc. • Loans for start up or expanding a tourism related business. • Business must be located within the 9th congressional district of Virginia. • Interest rate = Prime Rate

101. New Market Tax Credit • The New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC) is a community development lending tool designed to stimulate the flow of investment in underserved communities by creating new jobs and accelerating economic revitalization. • The program was created as a part of the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 which encourages private capital investment in low income communities by providing a 39 percent federal tax credit to investors. • The program is based on the idea that there are viable business opportunities in low‐income communities and that a federal tax credit would provide attractive incentive to increase the flow of investment capital to such areas.

102. Funding Partners • Small Business Development (SBA) • Virginia Enterprise Initiative (VEI) • US Treasury • Virginia Tobacco Commission • Virginia Dept of Housing and Community Development • Virginia Community Capital (VCC) • FAHE • Washington County • City of Bristol, Virginia

103. Contact Information Becky Nave People Incorporated of Virginia 1173 West Main Street Abingdon, VA 24210 bnave@peopleinc.net P: 276‐619‐2243 C: 423‐571‐3212 www.whatcanpeopledo.org

104. Questions?

105. Other Business Resources Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager Virginia Department of Business Assistance 276-676-3768 sandy.ratliff@vdba.virginia.gov www.vdba.virginia.gov www.vastartup.org

106. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance VDBA supports economic development in the Commonwealth by working with new and existing businesses to provide business and economic development communities with: • workforce incentives • financing • business information and counseling • state procurement assistance • incubator counseling and • educational opportunities www.vdba.virginia.gov

107. Formula f o r S ucc e s s ‐ Critical inform ation for decision making iful ‐ Well trained and plent workforce ture ‐ Approp riate capital struc Ask VBIC = 866‐ 248‐8814

108. Business Information Services To help businesses get started and to grow. Formation Assistance Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC) 1-866-248-8814 Bridges the 26 state agencies, over 100 programs and over 300 forms that may touch a Virginia business Virginia Central Business Portal (www.business.virginia.gov) Covers registration, taxation, licensing Interactive Business Plan CD 5 Step process to a business plan Entrepreneur Express Events 150 Events – 7,500 Trained

109. Virginia’s Business One Stop Are you starting a business? Virginia’s Business One Stop system can help Winner of the you determine your business formation requirements and can 2009 pre-fill your business registration forms. Governor's Technology Visit http://www.virginia.gov/bos/index.html to Awards access the Business One Stop System. Create a Business One Stop account. Answer a few brief questions about your business. Receive a list of action items and pre-filled business registration forms. Questions? Contact the Virginia Business Information Center 1-866-248-8814 (804) 371-0438 vbic@vdba.virginia.gov

110. Ask VBIC = 866‐ 248‐8814

111. Growing Your $ales ‐ State Governor’s Executive Order 33 $5 billion market Access to buyers from 171 state agencies Additional $5 billion from local governments 575 localities using eVA system. Small Business Goal – 40% Over 41,490 registered suppliers Over 13,065 participating buyers Ask VBIC = 866‐ 248‐8814

112. • Examples of Purchasing: – Instant Ice Tea • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $23,455.71 ‐ 46 PO’s – Novelty – Specialty Advertising Products • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $152,905.34 ‐ 152 PO’s – Grounds Maintenance: Mowing, Edging, Plant (Not Tree) Trimming, etc. • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $14,566,567.94 ‐ 1150 PO’s – Tires and Tubes, Passenger Vehicles • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $72,103.64 ‐ 7 PO’s – Concessions, Catering, Vending: Mobile and Stationary • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $6,187,712.31‐ 11,757 PO’s – Building Maintenance • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $90,611,650.85 ‐ 9285 PO’s – Earth Moving Equipment Rental • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $8,573,333.24 ‐621 PO’s – Cleaning Services, Steam & Pressure • 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009 = $3,358,694.55‐ 303 PO’s

113. One–on‐One Counseling Sessions Need Based: – Accessing New Markets/Sales Growth – Tailored Sales Development Solutions – Financing Resources – Social Media for Your Business To schedule an appointment, contact: Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager 276-676-3768 Email: sandy.ratliff@vdba.virginia.gov

115. Entrepreneur Workshops • Launched October 2006 • Partnership with Service Providers and localities • Provide information on available resources to start and grow a business • Statewide Program • Free – ½ Day Session • Over 7,500 reached • www.vastartup.org

116. Growing Your $ales Workshops Business Sales Growth Program Market Research and Expansion Financing Growth Management Partnered events for SWAM certification and eVA registration Networking of businesses and decision‐ makers

117. Social Media Workshops You‐Link‐Twit‐Face Upcoming Events: • April 14 – Dickenson County •April 29 – Wytheville •May 18 – Galax •June 10 – Washington County

120. Virginia Jobs Investment Program • Workforce recruiting and training – Create minimum 25 net new jobs within 12 months and capital investment of at least $1,000,000 – Minimum entry-level wage of $10.00/hr required. Only full- time jobs are eligible. • Small business workforce recruiting and training – 250 employees or less, hiring at least 5 new full time employees within 12 months of operation and capital investment of at least $100,000 – Minimum entry-level wage of $10.00/hr required. Only full- time jobs are eligible. • Retraining – Small businesses that are retooling and installing new technologies – Company must retrain minimum 10 full-time employees.

121. Financing Programs • Direct Lending: In partnership with banks and other lenders, we provide direct loans in economic development transactions. We also provide direct loans under specific programs designed to promote environmental stewardship and assist licensed daycare centers and family home providers. • Indirect Lending: We provide loan guarantees or other types of credit enhancements to commercial banks in order to increase access to capital for businesses. • Conduit Financing: We are the statewide conduit issuer of tax‐exempt industrial development bonds for manufacturers and 501c3 organizations.

122. The VSBFA Does Not Give… • Grants • Loans or guaranties of loans without collateral • Loans or guaranties of loans without personal guaranties from all significant owners

123. OTHER AVAILABLE RESOURCES • Virginia Department of Labor – Apprenticeship Program – Combination of on‐the‐job training and classroom instruction. – Advantage of skilled workforce and reduced turnover. – http://www.doli.virginia.gov • Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs – Virginia’s Finest Trademark = Marketing program that promotes foods and foods products grown in Virginia. – Facilitates expansion of agricultural businesses. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov

124. OTHER AVAILABLE RESOURCES Virginia Business Incubator – 9 Available in Southwest Virginia – 30 Within Commonwealth – Business Incubator Benefits • Facility designed to assist businesses to become established and sustainable • Benefits – Shared premises and business services – Business advice and mentoring assistance – More details ‐ http://www.vbia.org/

125. Business Incubator Commercial Kitchen Light Manufacturing Space Shared Amenities

126. OTHER AVAILABLE RESOURCES Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc. – Non‐profit organization to promote the economic vitality of SWVA and the Commonwealth. – Virginia’s Business Pipeline – Online searchable database of more than 24,000 Virginia based companies, business to business marketing & RFP resource www.VirginiaBusiness.org – Virginia’s Linked Workforce Showcase – Designed to create business partnerships yielding contracts between SWVA and Northern Virginia by connecting companies in specific industry sectors. www.LinkedWorkforceShowcase.org

127. Starting and Growing a Business • Business Formation Assistance – Small Business Development Center Network = www.virginiasbdc.org – SCORE = www.score.org – Virginia Business Information Center = 866‐248‐8814 – Virginia Central Business Portal = www.business.virginia.gov – Virginia Business Incubator Association = http://www.vbia.org/

128. Marketing Resources • SCORE = www.score.org • Virginia Tourism Corporation = www.vatc.org • Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc. = www.virginiabusiness.org • Virginia Department of Agriculture – Virginia’s Finest Trademark = www.vdacs.virginia.gov

129. Financing Resources • Virginia Small Business Financing Authority = www.vdba.virginia.gov • Small Business Development Center = www.virginiasbdc.org • Small Business Administration = www.sba.gov • Local Economic Development Office or Chamber of Commerce

130. “If you always do what you’ve always done, You will always get what you’ve always got!”

131. Lets Connect: Sandy Ratliff The Virginia Department of Business Assistance 276‐676‐3768 sandy.ratliff@vdba.virginia.gov Online: Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandyratliff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sandy.ratliff LinkedIn ‐ http://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyratliff

132. Survey Completions Please take a moment to complete our survey!

135. CONTACTS • Sandy Ratliff, Virginia Department of Business Assistance = 276‐676‐3768 or VBIC = 866‐248‐8814 • Steve Willinger, SCORE = 423‐989‐4866 • Tim Clontz, NRV SBDC = 540‐831‐6056 • Kitty Barker, Virginia Tourism Corporation = 276‐466‐ 4653 • Scott Peak, Wachovia Bank = 276‐645‐1230 • Carl Mitchell, Virginia Economic Bridge = 540‐ 731‐6800 • Sally Morgan, Smyth County Economic Development = 276‐ 783‐7000 , Ext. 206 • Kristin W. Untiedt‐Barnett, Smyth County Chamber of Commerce = 276‐783‐3161

Smyth Entrepreneur Express #4 Presentation, March 18, 2010

Smyth Entrepreneur Express #4 Presentation, March 18, 2010

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Smyth Entrepreneur Express #4 Presentation, March 18, 2010