America’s SBDC Blog

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Talk This Week with Veterans Who Own Businesses

November 7, 2014
By Cindy Bates

I’ve always thought of small-business owners as heroes. They’re the women and men who battle for success despite obstacles, fears, physical challenges and mental exhaustion as they work towards success. As we approach Veterans Day and the end of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), I want to recognize the unique heroism of America’s veterans who own small businesses.

Veteran-owned businesses contribute more than $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy every year and employ nearly 6 million, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During their military service, veteran owners learn to be dynamic leaders and tremendous problem-solvers. Those core skills may account for the fact that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than others. Did you know one in 10 small businesses is veteran-owned? Even the hit TV show “Shark Tank” – which I happen to be a big fan of – is supporting NVSBW by dedicating an episode (Friday, 11/7) exclusively to veteran-owned businesses.  (more…)

Once upon a website: Tell your business’s story on your About Us page

November 5, 2014
By Andrea Rowland

Andrea_RowlandIf you’re an entrepreneur, you know that marketing your business involves selling yourself as much as pitching your products. You are your business’s most valuable commodity. It’s your passion, competence, credibility and tenaciousness that fuel its success. To new and existing customers, you are the face of your brand.That’s the main reason it’s important to have an About Us page on your website. While your entire website is a blank canvas for you to paint your business’s unique story through compelling copy, inspiring images and dazzling design, your About Us page (although you may call it whatever you like) is the go-to space for visitors to learn all about who you are and why they should care.

Your story

What motivated you to start your business? How has your business grown, and why? What do customers say about you? What do you hope to accomplish? Why are you and your team the best people to deliver on your promises? These are just a few of the questions you might choose to answer on your About Us page. This is your chance to tell your story.  (more…)

Success Story: New York

November 3, 2014

State:  New York
Center: Onondaga SBDC
Client:  Brazzlebox

Story:  Brazzlebox, the exclusive social network for small and home based business, has announced it is launching nationally on September 18, 2014.  Small, at home, Veteran owned and start-up businesses will be able to go to www.brazzlebox.com and sign up FREE. They can quickly develop their profile page and immediately start connecting with businesses in their community or industry.

Brazzlebox is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Glen Zinszer. Brazzlebox will be working to fill the current B2B and B2Community social networking void. “The opportunity to create an exclusive network and resource for small and home based business owners is massive,” said Zinszer. Small, at home, Veteran and start-up businesses need a champion and a channel. Brazzlebox is coming to your town, business, idea and community. Glen has worked with the SBDC with many of his start-up businesses, including Brazzlebox, and found the information, direction and education incredibly beneficial.  “The level of support received was crucial in the success of all of my businesses: said Zinszer.   (more…)

How to Create an Inspiring Home Page for Your Small Business

October 29, 2014
By Andrea Rowland

Andrea_RowlandNow that you’ve decided to build a website for your small business (congratulations, BTW), there’s no room or reason for procrastination. Right now, your potential customers are on their smartphones, tablets and computers looking for products or services like yours. The facts don’t lie:

– At least 85 percent of today’s consumers use the Internet to find local products and services.
– More than one-third of U.S. smartphone owners use their phones to find store locations online.
– And people used their phones, tablets and desktops to shop online to the tune of more than $70 billion in 2013.

Most likely, your competitors are already online. You’re losing out if you’re not.

Of course you’re busy. You’re probably answering phones and taking orders and shipping product and buying supplies and cutting checks and doing all the other stuff entrepreneurs do to get their big ideas off the ground. Without a lunch break. Maybe even without a paycheck. I’ll wager that’s because you’re committed to making your small business succeed, whatever it takes.  (more…)

Success Story: Florida

October 28, 2014
Joe And Sons Olive OilsJoe and Son’s Olive Oils comes to fruition with help of Florida SBDC at USF

In the summer of 2011, Andrea Messina Gebbia had an idea for a retail business and a partial business plan. All she needed was some direction to get her started. That’s when she reached out to the Florida SBDC at USF.

“My family has been in the grocery business here in Tampa since the 1930s, so I always just sort of had this passion for food and cooking but never really wanted to go to culinary school,” Gebbia said.

Gebbia’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe (Joe) Favata, left Sicily and eventually established Joe and Sons Grocery in historic Ybor City, in 1938.

“He, like me, was just trying to pursue his American dream,” she said. “This was my way of paying tribute to the family store.”  (more…)