new ventures business development provides resources for starting and growing businesses

Consulting

New Ventures Business Development

Increase business! Save time! Save money! Those are universal business goals, but they are particularly critical for small and start-up businesses. New Ventures Business Development provides no- and low-cost training and consulting on how to manage and expand businesses by incorporating technology and the Internet.

E-business is a new way to do business, a new way to use technology, and a new way to build companies. All small businesses can benefit from the Internet in some way, whether using it for marketing and selling or researching vendors, purchasing products, and communicating with customers.

The many contributions of e-business tools

The Internet is instrumental in helping small businesses to operate while also contributing to their individual success, according to a pair of surveys. Of 501 small business owners/managers with fewer than 100 employees surveyed for the OPEN Small Business Network 2002 Monitor from American Express, 66 percent revealed they have integrated the Internet as a tool to help them run their businesses.

Other common online business activities include:

Making travel plans (36 percent)
Purchasing office supplies, equipment, or other business services (36 percent)
Conducting industry or market research (34 percent)
Marketing or advertising (29 percent)
Networking with other entrepreneurs (24 percent)
Purchasing goods from wholesalers (22 percent)
Managing accounts and making payments (16 percent)

"Many small businesses are embracing technology, particularly the Internet, which can be a convenient tool for small business owners. Using the Internet specifically for business functions provides them with the 24-7 access and flexibility they need to better manage their businesses," says Kerry Hatch, executive vice president and general manager, OPEN: The Small Business Network from American Express.

What web sites accomplish for small business

Internet usage positively impacts the bottom line for 61 percent of those that responded to a survey conducted by Lewis, Mobilio, & Associates for Homestead Technologies, Inc. Of the 976 full or part owners of U.S. small businesses with 20 or fewer employees that were polled, 58 percent said their Web site has played an important role in the success of their small business.

Additionally, 77 percent agree that a Web site is a "must have" for small business in 2002; 60 percent said they wish they had built a Web site for their business sooner; and 85 percent would also advise other small business owners to have a Web site in 2002.

"Small business owners are embracing the Internet and clearly see the value in having a Web site," said Lynne Mobilio, partner of Lewis, Mobilio & Associates.

The survey also revealed: 39 percent of those surveyed planned to market their business on the Internet or Web in 2002, with 51 percent viewing the Internet as more cost-effective than other marketing methods, and 29 percent that the Internet is the most cost-effective method. Considerably fewer respondents believe that direct mail, newspapers or magazines, or yellow pages advertising are the most cost-effective marketing plans.

"In addition to adding to the bottom line, survey respondents cited easier communication with customers, name recognition, and credibility as the main benefits of a site. These advantages explain why the Internet is the most popular choice for marketing among small businesses for next year," said Mobilio.

Make the Internet a tool in your business success

Visit the New Ventures Business Development today at 903 Skyway Drive in Monroe or at 514 N. Washington St. (in the SPCC Lockhart-Taylor Center) in Wadesboro, call us at 704-289-4567 in Monroe or 704-272-5457 in Wadesboro.

Location

The Anson County Center is located in the South Piedmont Community College Lockhart-Taylor Center at 514 North Washington Street, Wadesboro, N.C.

Contact the center manager at the the Lockhart-Taylor Center at 704.272.5457.

Anson Schedule

The Anson Center currently is open by appointment only. Contact Chester Caulder at 704.272.5457.

SPCC Small Business Center maintains a resource center at the Lockhart-Taylor Center. Contact Vince Holloman at 704.694.6505.

SCORE consultants are available by appointment in Monroe. Contact the Union County Chamber of Commerce at 704.289.4567.

Union Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPCC Small Business Center staff is available by appointment. Contact Vince Holloman at 704.289.8588.

SCORE consultants are available by appointment. Contact the Union County Chamber of Commerce at 704.289.4567.

new ventures business development provides resources for starting and growing businesses

Consulting