One-on-One Advising

Do you need someone to review your business plan to get a loan or attract investors?

Are you thinking of expanding your business with new hires and new office space?

Would you want help getting your business set up correctly and efficiently?

These are only a few of the ways the Marin SBDC can assist you; the list can go on for pages! That’s how serious we are about helping you grow your small business and be wildly successful. Our passion is your success.

We have a team of 15 talented, seasoned business professionals (our Business Advisors) who are ready to work with you and help you with all your business needs. In all honesty, there are very few questions they cannot answer; it’s like having your own personal dream team/support squad at your service. Our Advisors make the Marin SBDC special as it is our commitment to provide you with the best resources. We work with all types of businesses and at any stage of development. Check out our success stories.

The best part about the Marin SBDC is that all business advising is free! Thanks to the Small Business Administration (SBA), we can offer you no-cost business advising. All you have to do is apply.

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Business Plans

Instruction in creating business plans, as well as ongoing review, helps clients create a road map for a successful business. An effective business plan includes company history, demographics, operations, administration, financial, products/services, economic considerations and marketing sections. Clients learn to compare actual business results against projections on a regular basis to gain the business plan's full value.

Capital Sourcing

Knowledge relating to obtaining capital from private or institutional sources aids business owners in finding appropriate funding and helps clients assess their qualifications to obtain loans.

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Procurement

The Marin SBDC offers information to assist small businesses through the procedures of selling to government agencies. Learn what is necessary to qualify and bid on government contracts.

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Product Pricing

Review of the product pricing, product mix and gross margin contribution can assist business owners in focusing on their most profitable products to enhance their sales figures.

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Marketing/Advertising/Public Relations

Creation of a cohesive marketing plan and knowledge of marketing techniques can lead to improvement and expansion of sales. Learn to promote your business using various media, advertising, and public relations techniques.

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Restaurant Operations

Expertise in food services areas such as menus, equipment and pricing will aid the restaurant owner in a highly competitive field.

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Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights & New Product Development

Information relating to intellectual property helps a business protect products, logos and business names with trademarks, copyrights and patents. New product development gives clients ways to transform their ideas into marketable products.

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Human Resources

Experience and knowledge relating to the organization, recruitment and delegation of responsibility to employees will improve day-to-day business operations.

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Business Start-Up/Home-Based Businesses

Start-up business ventures profit from information relating to the sound business practices necessary to begin a business, as well as such necessities as license and permit requirements.

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Retail

Learn how to utilize merchandising techniques to target certain demographics and employ in-store marketing programs to support seasonal and promotional changes.

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International Trade

Clients can gain an understanding of international trade, marketing and management techniques, as well as tools for cross-cultural communication.