As a Small Business Support Organization, we focus on three tranches of small business - Start-Up, Microbusiness, and Small Business. Start-Up Businesses indicated a need for structure and guidance and the County’s “My Business Starts Here” is an excellent starting point. BizWorks’ Start Smart Program provides additional structure by connecting the Business Owner with resources appropriate for this stage. BizWorks Membership begins at the Microbusiness Stage for businesses that have achieved market validation/sales and face pressure to increase sales while handling issues related to growth. Small Businesses require a physical presence to accommodate employees and/or assets. These last two stages comprise our Virtual and Residential Entrepreneurs.
The cornerstone of the Virtual Program is our BizWorks Academy (BWA), a rigorous revenue generation series designed to measurably improve performance and serve as a platform for sustainable growth. The program features an e-learning platform, timely considering social distancing. Microbusinesses shared that while they may not need office and warehouse space, they find the accoutrements of business including concierge and opportunities to network with the business community beneficial.
Small Businesses have told us that affordable office and warehouse spaces were their major concern. Our Incubator has available space priced slightly below market rate. These Businesses already have a cadre of advisors and professionals who they rely on for guidance. We augment this with the availability of Mentors and Advisors from our Team of Partners as well as BWA.
Business Owners queried shared that the seminars and One-on-Ones provided by our Partners at SBSD, PTAC, and SCORE are helpful and we will continue to provide a platform utilizing technology. We are building our line up of our Coffee Talks and will be working with our other Partners on other relevant programs.