 |
|
OOPS. Your Flash player is missing or outdated. Click here to update your player so you can see this content.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Ask The Expert |
|
|
|
ASK THE EXPERT...
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. |
How can I get free money to start my business? |
| A. |
There is no FREE money to start your business. No grants, and no free government money is available, despite what you may hear on TV. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Where do I get money to start my business? |
| A. |
First, please check your credit score with a national bureau-it is free. Any financial institution or partner will expect that you will be able to fund the first part of your business. DO NOT use your IRA or your credit card to fund your business. Your IRA is your safety cushion, not to be touched and your credit card interest charges are so high that you may never be able to pay back the basic loan because the interest payments are so high.
Save enough money to cover 6 months worth of living expenses AND the cost of investing in your business.
The next level of funding could come from Friends and Family. Approach them with a written plan of how much money you will need and how you plan to pay it back with interest. DO NOT expect to get money from them without creating a business plan. You may ultimately lose those friends and family forever.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
How do I find a lawyer and accountant to help me start my business? |
| A. |
Contact three of each profession and call them to conduct a phone interview. Ask accountants what they charge for monthly or yearly reports, what software they recommend that matches what they can use in their office, etc. Ask the lawyer what the billable hour charge is and what it would cost to set up your company. In other words, shop your professionals and know how you will spend your money. ALWAYS ask, "What will that cost?" |
| |
|
| Q. |
Who can help me with writing my business plan? |
| A. |
There are several very valuable resources in our region.
- The SBDC (Small Business Development Center) offers on going counseling with business plan development. They have an on line business plan that you can continue to develop and save. It is user friendly and asks questions to assist you in the process. They also offer classes related to business start ups.
- HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) offers an associate degree in entrepreneurship and also offers First Monday in Harrisburg.
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers individual counselors to assist you.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
BUSINESS BRIEFS |
|
August 6, 2008- AutumnWave, Dell make inroads with Dickinson College
by Jim T. Ryan-Central Penn Business Journal
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
June 27, 2008- Businesses Switching to Local Online Marketing, Study Finds
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to download the Murata brochure
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
