Many small businesses and entrepreneurs have utilized the CTSBDC network for customized, one-on-one management consulting and training. Most companies that use the CTSDBC services often report accelerated growth and improved access to capital financing.
Seeking Capital Financing
The CTSBDC network of experts can assist small and stage 2 companies in identifying potential sources of capital financing for the development and expansion of their business. This includes securing free credit reports from three leading credit bureaus, tax and financial advice, review of customer credit, various sources and types of funding, insight to the lender review process, ratio analysis and how to use the data compiled.
Expanding Customer Base
CTSBDC professionals will work side by side with business owners and their professional teams to build on marketing infrastructure, including social media marketing, branding and other web-based techniques to build a brief but concise go-to-market strategy. The business can then:
- evaluate the bottom-line value
- find a way to demonstrate it to customers
- redefine the profile of your ideal customer
- identify half a dozen new industry segments
Growing Company Revenues
So you survived the Start-up phase and are looking to take your business to the next level. The CTSDBC small business advisors are prepared to help you to make best use of your own sweat equity and time. Whether you think you want to open an new location or offer your business for a franchise opportunity, the CTSBDC can provide detailed support and direction with:
- Licensing your product
- Forming alliances with similar types of business
- Diversification of product line or service
- Targeting other markets
- Winning a Government contract
- Merge with or acquire another company
- Expand globally – get ready for export
Branding for Competitive Edge
Many established businesses recognize that one of the most commonly overlooked sources of competitive advantage is brand. Branding is not just advertising or a catchy phrase anymore. It’s more about the value that it holds for actual customers. The CTSBDC has the ability to work with a network of professionals to assist small businesses in determining:
- Marketplace brand evaluation – What makes a brand valuable
- Secure research to collect information on
- Key customer values
- Demographic and psychographic data
- Competitor profiles
- Develop brand examples through customer preference research
- How to evaluate your brand
