Smart Start Assessment Success

Smart Start Assessment Review

This information has been sent to the Western Region Office.

Next Steps

• Based on your score the system has generated an action plan with resources and training options that will help your business grow. The good news is that many of the resources provided are FREE!
• You may want to review the areas where you scored lowest, and access resources for that topic first. We offer a variety of online training classes designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of business related topics.
• As you complete the task and training, you will feel more comfortable and be ready for additional assistance.

Exploring

You've thought about having a business--perhaps you've even made a phone call or two or everyone you know says you have a great idea--but you haven't done much in the way of concrete development. First, you'll need to be sure your idea is a good one and learn more about customers, competition and capital. Having taken this assessment, you're now aware of what will be involved and perhaps you've decided that business ownership is not the right choice for you at this time. If you decide you want to explore a bit more, the SBDC can help by offering a number of FREE resources and training classes. Refer to the "Next Steps" guide sheet for detailed instructions, resources and additional information to get you moving in the right direction.

General

• Visit the Resources section of the SBDC website to find answers to many of your basic questions.
• Conduct a self analysis to determine if you have the characteristics necessary to operate your own business.
• If you haven't already done so, you should consider working on a feasibility study which will help you determine if your idea is a good one before you invest a significant amount of time and resources. Access the study at www.mdsbdc.umd.edu, or call you local SBDC and ask them to e-mail it to you.
• Sign up for "Smart Start Entrepreneur 101," an SBDC class that will help you learn the fundamentals of owning a business. This pre-venture workshop will help focus your thinking by examining the entrepreneurial environment and by identifying the administrative, financial, legal and marketing issues involved in starting a business.
• You can access the FREE online tutorials listed below OR register for appropriate classroom training (offered at a nominal charge)
• To access the classes, visit SBA online training area.

Additional web resources:

• www.planware.org/ideas.htm#4 - Site to help you assess your ideas
• www.planware.org/ideas.htm#2 - Article to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses