Get to Know Your Local SBDC

In case you missed it, First Friday Coffee was back in-person at Century Casino last week with Jakob Pallesen presenting about the Small Business Development Center at Southeast Missouri State University. Here's a quick run-down of what we learned:

What is the SBDC?

The Small Business Development Center's mission is "To foster business, community, and workforce development and facilitate the process of innovation to enhance the regional economy and support the transfer of institutional knowledge and resources derived from within the University to the external environment to create new, high-value jobs, positive economic and social benefits, and advance entrepreneurship."

Boiled down, the SBCD provides small businesses* with 1-on-1, no cost, confidential business advising and resources along with business workshops as well.

*SBDC defines small businesses as for-profits with less than 500 employees.

Who is the SBDC?

Cape Girardeau's SBDC is powered by the partnerships from three organizations:

Small Business Administration - This federal program funds the SBDC at at State-level.
America's SBDC Missouri - The SBDC is a State-wide program with local branches.
Southeast Missouri State University - Southeast is the home to Cape Girardeau's SBDC.

What area does our SBDC serve?

There are 12 SBDCs in the State of Missouri. Cape Girardeau's SBDC serves 19 counties in the Southeast Missouri Area.

Who can use the SBDC's services?

The SBDC serves for-profit small businesses in three areas:

Idea/startup Stage
Early Stage
Growth Stage

What SBDC services are available for me to take advantage?

The SBDC has services for all businesses, and they are categorized through three tracks: start-up, new business, and growth business.

Start-Up Tracks

Idea/Concept Development - lean start-up, customer discovery, value proposition, and business model canvas
Business and Financial Planning - LivePlan, financial forecast, industry benchmarks, and market research
Brief Startup Plan - mission and brand, customer profile, marketing, and startup costs

New Business Tracks

Business and Financial Planning - LivePlan, financial forecast, industry benchmarks, and market research
Marketing Strategy - customer profile, company brand, marketing mix, and tools and resources
Financial Assessment - industry benchmarks, financial analysis, and financial projections
Strategic Growth - 360 assessment, strategic focus areas, growth tools, and action plan

Growth Business Tracks

Succession Planning - company assessment, succession opportunities, and business valuation
Export Planning - readiness assessment, international market research, and exporting resources
Financial Assessment - industry benchmarks, financial analysis, and financial projections
Strategic Growth - 360 assessment, strategic focus areas, growth tools, and action plan
Marketing Strategy - customer profile, company brand, marketing mix, and tools and resources
Market Research - industry trends, consumer trends, and customer lists

What is the #1 thing I need to remember from this presentation?

In my humble opinion, if there's just one thing you retain from this month's event, it's this: the SBDC has an unbelievable amount of resources available to nearly every business in town, all offered at no cost. Whether you're exploring the idea of exporting your goods or need help developing a voice for your business's brand, the SBDC can help. Take advantage of this opportunity to take your business to the next level!

Watch the full presentation

Questions? Contact Jakob Pallesen

Email: jpallesen@semo.edu

Phone: 573-651-5165