Small Business Advocacy

We thought you might be interested in knowing about a site where you can read more about the SBA Office of Advocacy's activities and efforts on behalf of small business. You can also ask questions about small business and its contribution to the economy, discuss the impact of regulations on your own business or industry, and connect with the small business community in your state or your region in particular.

Visit The Small Business Watchdog at http://weblog.sba.gov/blog-advo

A Small Business Success Story

Just three years ago, South Carolina resident Buddy Richardson was where many of you are today .... wanting to start a business of his own, with all the technical specifics of his particular business idea in place, but confused by the process of how to pull it all together into a cohesive, operational, successful business that would become his livelihood.

But with planning assistance from the Florence SBDC and the FastTrac program, he's made his dream a reality.

Read his story on our main web site at http://www.florencesbdc.org/html/small_business_success_stories.html

Interested in a Franchise Business?

Entrepreneur's Source is sponsoring a Franchise Expo at the Hilton Hotel at 5624 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC on October 23rd & 24th.

From Entrepreneur's Source:
"Remember You are Only Getting Your Feet Wet.

You may be thinking, I am not ready to go into business right now! You are right. For most people, that would be premature. A little uncertainty is normal. Change usually isn't comfortable, even when it’s positive change. It is natural to see obstacles and avoid risk.

We are Here to Help Minimize the Risk

Let us put it another way: What is the cost of doing nothing about your dream? We have worked with thousands of people just like you, individuals considering business ownership. We have helped them discover businesses that led them to achieving their goals and objectives. As coaches, we guide you through a process of education about opportunities in business ownership."

Some of the questions that you may get answered at this Expo include:
Why choose a franchise rather than starting or buying an independent business?What are the best franchises for you?How do you fund the investment in a franchise?

Register online for FREE participation. If you do not register online, there will be a $10 charge at the door. http://www.carolinates.com/events/registration

Florence Area SBDC Welcomes Entrepreneurs!

We're happy to announce the opening of our new Florence Area Small Business Development Center web site and blog! We hope our new presence online will make it easier for entrepreneurs in the South Carolina Counties of Florence, Marion, Dillon, Darlington, Marlboro, Chesterfield and Lee to get the assistance they need in opening or expanding their small businesses.

Please go to our site for more information, and contact us today to make an appointment. We're here to serve you!