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We've set out to identify and describe sources of practical information,
counseling, or assistance pertinent to small businesses in our geographical
area, as well as the resources available from or at each of these
sources. Please see our Criteria for Inclusion.
- SCORE, Counselors to America's Small
Business,
is funded and housed by SBA. Its volunteer membership offers
expertise
in many
practical
areas of business;
in many cases a member is paired with a business needing his/her
particular expertise. SCORE can be contacted at the local SBA
office, 830 East Primrose, Suite 101, in Springfield; their phone
number is (417) 890-8501 x 218; information for this and other
Missouri chapters is available at their national Web site.
- The Small Business Development Center receives
a considerable portion of its funding from SBA in partnership
with Missouri State University. SBDC has its own library of SBA and
other publications on practical areas of business. They also have
access to SMS business faculty expertise. SBDC's client base is
70% existing business owners and 30% start-up or pre-venture businesses.
The local SBDC is located on the SMS campus in Glass Hall, across
Hammons Parkway from the library and the fountain. Their phone
number is (417) 836-5685; fax (417) 836-7666. Email: SBDC@vma.smsu.edu.
- The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Business
Solutions Center makes available a library of materials, many of which are
specific to the Springfield metro. The Chamber's
state-of-the-art building offers services such as video-conferencing and satellite
downlink. They are located in the John Q. Hammons Enterprise Center, 202
Hammons Parkway. Their phone is (417) 862-5567; fax (417) 862-1611. Email: ryan@springfieldchamber.com.
- Southwest Missouri has several University Extension
Outreach Business & Industry Specialists. B&I
problem-solving services are confidential and provided at little
or no charge.
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- The Small Business Administration offers information on its
loan programs, federal contracts,
minority and women's programs, and microloans
(relatively short-term, low-documentation, quick-approval loans for $35,000 or
less). The Springfield office is located at 830 East Primrose, Suite 101; phone
(417) 890-8501.
- The Springfield Business and Development Corporation
sponsors periodic Venture Capital Network forums. An entrepreneur
hoping to connect with venture capitalists fills out a two-page
application form, provides a copy of his or her business plan,
and pays a $150 fee if selected for participation. Applications
are reviewed for accuracy and completeness, but not for plan viability.
For information contact Greg Williams at the Chamber of Commerce.
A hypertext list of venture capital
funds in Missouri can be found at Business Plan Posting.
- SBA's Certified
and Preferred Lenders. Certified lenders, by having had substantial
involvement in SBA loan programs and meeting stringent criteria,
receive a partial delegation of lending authority. Preferred lenders
have earned full delegation of lending authority and are considered
to be the SBA's most active and expert lenders. SBA lenders typically
will require a one-third equity position by the borrower.
- SBA's Small
Business Investment Companies in Missouri. SBICs are private
lenders which provide equity capital and long-term credit to small
businesses only. Both Apple Computer and Federal Express received
SBIC backing in their formative years!
- The only Certified Development Company servicing
Greene County is RMI. A CDC offers loans (often called "504
Loans") for major fixed assets--land, buildings, equipment--which
enable small businesses to create or retain jobs. An equity position
of at least 10% is required from the borrower, CDC participation
will be to a maximum of 40%, and the remaining financing must
be arranged with private-sector lenders. Financing cannot be used
for working capital, inventory, debt consolidation or paydown,
or refinancing.
- The Certified Capital Companies (CAPCOs) program encourages
private investment in businesses that derive their revenue primarily from 1) manufacturing,
processing, or assembling of products; or 2) conducting research and development.
Service businesses which can demonstrate that more than 33% of revenue would be
from outside the state of Missouri also are eligible. Details are available from
the Missouri
Department of Economic Development.
- The Missouri Innovation Center operates a clearinghouse for
Missouri's venture
capital community.
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- A Procurement Technical Assistance Center is set
up to help businesses win federal, state, and local government
contracts. Our area's PTAC can provide daily bid
matching, counseling, fact finding, bid preparation assistance,
and electronic data interchange training.
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- The Missouri Enterprise Business Assistance Center
specializes in objective assessment, project customization, technology
commercialization, and project implementation. MEBAC,
a nonprofit corporation, has been in operation since 1984 and
has an extensive resource network that includes a nationwide manufacturing
extension network. Emphasis is on technology and manufacturing.
- The Missouri Product Assistance Laboratory provides custom testing
of materials, prototype development, precision measurement, statistical process
control, and advice on plant layout and materials handling. Target clientele:
manufacturers, inventors, and others needing product development and quality control
techniques. Consulting services are free of charge to Missourians; charges will
be applied to cover agreed upon costs for equipment usage and materials. MoPAL's
organization includes staff engineers, and university faculty and students.
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- The Greater Ozarks International Trade Association
is a non-profit organization and a member of the Federation
of
International Trade Associations. GOITA
holds quarterly meetings and cosponsors seminars on topics of
interest to importers and exporters. Their newsletter contains
important current developments.
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The Directory, published by the Library, contains about 900 area
clubs, organizations, and agencies, many of them business- or trade-related.
The Directory,
in a paper format, is available for checkout, use, or purchase at
any branch of the Library. Please contact us at Ask
a Librarian if you need further assistance with the Directory.
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