If you\u2019re the owner of an SME (small- to medium-sized enterprise, under 250 employees), it\u2019s easy to feel you\u2019re alone in your quest. That\u2019s not a good position to be in, but it doesn\u2019t have to be that way. The fact is, there\u2019s plenty of support out there to help you succeed. This ranges from business coaches to peer groups, to local, national, and international support and advocacy organizations. These resources can provide you with an outside perspective on the challenges you face, and allow you to benefit from the experiences of others who have successfully managed similar situations.<\/p>\n
To support your success, the first thing to do is to hire a business coach. We hope you\u2019ll engage an AdviCoach, who brings many years of solid business management experience and skills to your operation. AdviCoaches uses proven strategies and a variety of tools they customize to meet your specific needs. They focus on helping you fulfill both professional and personal goals, which are often entwined. In addition, the national network of AdviCoaches provides your coach with peers to work with, exchanging ideas and best practices. Many coaches in the same region get together to share experiences. And all our coaches attend regional and national training sessions and conferences to stay up-to-date with all the great tools have available for you.<\/p>\n
In addition to hiring a business coach, you can connect with organizations that provide small business support. These offer a variety of help, ranging from securing funding, to connecting with other businesses for advice, referrals, and partnerships, to advocating the interests of small business with state and federal governments. Here are some to look into.<\/p>\n
United States Small Business Administration (<\/em>SBA<\/em><\/a>).<\/em> This is the cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to small business. The SBA helps Americans grow their businesses and create jobs by providing resources, such as Federal contracting opportunities, entrepreneurial education, and disaster assistance. The SBA also helps you access capital using their Lender Match<\/a> tool, microloan intermediaries, and 504 loans<\/a> issued through Certified Development Companies (CDCs). SBA District Offices<\/a> across the country offer state-specific services and local opportunities. In addition, SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs<\/a>) in your area provide assistance to help you start, run, and grow your business.<\/p>\n U.S. Chamber of Commerce.<\/em> Their CO website delivers actionable ideas for growth and connects like-minded businesses. They provide links to 47 grants, loans, and programs<\/a> to secure funding.<\/p>\n Entrepreneurs\u2019 Organization (<\/em>EO<\/em><\/a>).<\/em> This group of entrepreneurs spans the globe and focuses on helping you expand your interests and grow. You can join a local or regional chapter and connect with peers in monthly forums. Members must be the owner, founder or majority stakeholder of a business that had at least $1 million in revenue for the latest fiscal year.<\/p>\n Remote Work Association (<\/em>RWA<\/em><\/a>).<\/em> This is a free community of global business leaders committed to a virtual operations business model. RWA connects you with peers and resources to build your location-independent company with confidence.<\/p>\n National Federation of Independent Business (<\/em>NFIB<\/em><\/a>).<\/em> This nonprofit, nonpartisan, member-driven advocacy organization works for American independent business owners at both state and federal levels.<\/p>\n