New Initiative Designed to Help Launch Small Businesses

 

OCED's San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center (SJVRDC) has launched a new initiative designed to assist existing businesses be more competitive in a complex marketplace and help new entrepreneurs realize their dreams of business ownership. Fresno State Small Business University launched this month and offers business resources and the necessary tools that entrepreneurs need to start and/or grow small businesses.

Fresno State Small Business University connects Fresno State students and community resource partners in the San Joaquin Valley with entrepreneurs looking for ways to grow their businesses. With oversight from SJVRDC staff, Fresno State student interns are matched with small business owners to help identify small business strategies and provide technical assistance in a variety of areas. Services that Fresno State Small Business University can provide include:

Financial Management

• Cash Flow Management
• Funding Options
• Bookkeeping and Accounting
• Loan Application Assistance
• Financial Analysis and Projections

Business Planning and Management

• Business Plan Development
• Business Start-Up Assistance
• Expansion and Growth
• Licensing and Permits

Marketing

• Identifying Market Niches
• Advertising and Promotional Strategies
• Branding/Logo Design
• Marketing Plan Development
• Web design
• Pricing, Products and Services
• Social Media/Product Videos

Fresno State Small Business University also hosts monthly resource workshops throughout the region, focusing on rural communities. Resource workshops provide the opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to hear from representatives of partner organizations on available services for launching and expanding businesses. Workshops through the end of summer are planned for Corcoran, Huron, McFarland and San Joaquin. They are free to the public, but individualized technical services (such as those listed above) may require a nominal fee. For more information on services and upcoming workshops, contact Eduardo Gonzalez, SJVRDC Director, at 559-278-0542. 

Fresno State Small Business University is an initiative of the San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center administered by the Office of Community and Economic Development at Fresno State.