First Things First: Finding help through the NH SBDC

Evaluate Your Business Idea

Before going too far with your Business Plan, you may want to fill out Evaluating Your Business Idea (online fill-in .pdf).  You can also find this resource, and many othes, in our Resource Library.

Develop a Business Plan

Every potential business owner should start by developing a Business Plan. This step is so important that the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center offers help in several ways. For an idea about what a Business Plan is, check out this sample from a fictitious business. You can find other sample plans here. After reviewing the samples, get started on your own Business Plan by using the extensive resources in Need a Business Plan?

Find Financing

Of course, anyone who thinks about starting a business thinks first about how to finance it. Will you use your own money, family money, one or more loans, or money from investors? Where will you find a business loan? Looking for Financing is your starting point for learning about various financing options and where and how to find business loans. The e-courses in the financial section also cover many aspects of financing a business.

Meet With a Business Advisor

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center offers free business counseling at regional offices throughout the state. Our advisors offer management assistance and advice to help your business become a success. Topics that counselors address include business planning, financial analysis, marketing, accounting, cash flow projections and new business/acquisition feasibility and evaluation.

Specialized counseling is also available for those already in business, and on environmental issues, access to capital, manufacturing, and the restaurant industry.

Learn about our business advisors and select your counseling location here. When you contact us, you’ll be asked some questions to determine how we can best help you. We can often answer your questions on the phone or send you information. If you have not developed a Business Plan, we will point you to that information. You will also have an opportunity to sign up for one-on-one counseling by completing an Online Request for Counseling form.

Visit Our Business Library

Our Resource Library is designed to give you a head start on launching your business. You may also wish to check our Resource Library for topics that may not be covered above or in this list.

Now that you’ve reviewed First Things First, move on to The Basics of Planning a Business or look into Becoming an Employer, or some of our other resources for Growing Your Business.