Entrepreneurs who have big dreams of starting or owning a business often need big support to successfully move forward. Fortunately, the SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center is ready to assist with education, support, and personalized mentoring. We spoke with Lindsay Ward, the Interim Regional Director of SUNY Brockport SBDC, about the organization’s role in helping new and existing small businesses grow and thrive in our area.
What is one thing people would be surprised about in how SBDC supports our community?
Since 1987, the SUNY Brockport SBDC has assisted over 22,000 businesses, helping to create a positive economic impact of $250,898,909 as well as create or save over 9,000 jobs within a five-county region, including Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties.
Our business advisors provide mentorship on everything from rural development, innovation and technology, and succession planning, to disaster recovery, and support for women, veterans, and minority-owned businesses. The SBDC also provides education, research, and advocacy to support our community members.
How does SBDC help startups and emerging businesses in the Finger Lakes Region?
The SUNY Brockport SBDC provides free, confidential one-on-one business advisement. Our goal is to meet the individualized needs of each aspiring entrepreneur and existing business owner. In addition, the SBDC also provides educational workshops and training opportunities on a wide variety of business topics throughout the year. So it’s important to check our calendar regularly to take advantage of this free education.
What is one piece of advice you would give founders who are interested in contacting you for support?
Our business advisors want to create the most value during appointment times. Clients should feel welcome to bring their business ideas, questions, and any documents pertaining to their business launch, growth, or succession stage. Some examples might include a draft of a business plan, a list of expenses and projected sales, marketing and digital efforts, or an evaluation of creditworthiness. Coming prepared is the best step forward to business ownership.
