Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479389
60 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2014 SPONSORED REPORT Ready to Launch Your Great Business Idea? Need to Evaluate Your Funding Choices? Want to Expand to New Markets? I f questions like these spark your interest, contact the Connecti- cut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) and move your startup or existing small business to efficient, rewarding success! There's no cost to you and our 12 expert advisors stand ready to help you investigate your options, work through your challenges and achieve your goals. Along with our confidential, customized support, you can expect: Appreciation. As longtime business advisors and entrepre- neurs (225 years among us!), our team understands your needs, questions, concerns and aspirations. Know-how. Whatever your specialty, our advisors dig right in because they have expertise in manufacturing, retail, health care, food, transportation, insurance, finance and many other industries. Commitment. As members of your community, our advisors believe in giving back — by sharing their skills and experiences — to help your business flourish. Moreover, our advisors believe, like you, that helping your small business thrive is the surest way to cultivate a strong small business environment throughout Connecticut — an environment which benefits all our communities. CTSBDC's dynamic, wide-ranging services When you partner with CTSBDC you take the lead on your projects and goals, while enjoying hands-on support every step of the way. You can ask CTSBDC for help with: • Business plan organization and review • Marketing and social media plans and training • Loan and grant preparation and application completion • Cost analysis, capital improvements and expansions • Financial statement review and analysis • Financial planning and budgeting • Industry trends research International trade. Is international trade right for your business? Already established overseas, but want to explore new options? Rely on CTSBDC to help your business navigate the ever- evolving complexities of importing and exporting. Our entire business advising team is SBA Export Counselor Certified; they answer your questions and help you determine if in- ternational trade is right for your business. If yes, then our NASBITE certified international trade business specialist helps you create your international business plan, identify markets, meet regula- tions and attend to numerous other facets so you launch safely and profitably into new markets worldwide. Emergency preparedness. Restoring critical functions — in- cluding technology, communications, operations, management and finance — is integral in resuming your business following a disaster. If you're wondering how best to prepare for natural and man- made disasters, turn to CTSBDC. Our team of specially-trained advisors provides the training and technical assistance you need to forge a proactive emergency preparedness plan. That way, should disaster strike, you get back to business as quickly as possible and safeguard your business future. Introductions. Countless programs exist within Connecticut and the federal government to help your small business prosper. But trying to decipher which ones best meet your needs can be overwhelming, and drain your time and energy. Make your life easier and reach the right people and programs much faster — call on CTSBDC. We make personal introductions so you get the attention you want, when you need it. You also discover new opportunities to strengthen your business. For instance, based on your interests and business characteristics, our advisors can mentor you in green business technology, women, minorities and veterans' assistance, technology transfer, regulatory compliance and more. Business Tools. Can your business afford to expand? Wonder- ing how your business compares to the competition or if your new marketing plan is viable? Get the reassurance you seek and move your business forward with CTSBDC's cutting-edge business tools. Working with your advisor, you access: • Financial Projections — Generate financial projections needed to access capital, and maintain awareness and control of your efforts. • Financial Benchmarking — Enhance your financial analysis and understanding, make financial comparisons to like companies and support the underwriting process. • Market Research — Gather extensive, easy to use market research and industry analysis on more than 1000 sectors. • Make Decisions. Take Action. — Get focused, set your agenda, make decisions and take action. And because you use these tools with CTSBDC, there's no need for your business to invest in them, which saves you precious cash flow for other needs and goals. It's easy to begin with CTSBDC Want to connect with our professional, energetic business advisors? Simple! 1. Visit CTSBDC.com 2. Click "Request Business Advising" 3. Follow the prompts 4. Hit "Submit" That's it! Within moments you receive an email confir- mation. Promptly afterward, our friendly specialist calls and matches you with the right advisor depending on your needs and location.