Knowledge exists to be imparted.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet, Essayist
The Center is a gateway to the many resources available today for the inquisitive small business owner or entrepreneur who desires to create or expand his business. This site is updated frequently and provides the necessary tools for small businesses to succeed.
The Entrepreneurial Resource Center
Located at the Center’s offices, the Entrepreneurial Resource Center was made possible through a funding partnership with the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission. The Resource Center offers numerous business start-up guides, current periodicals, videos, books and publications on an array of business subjects. There are two computer workstations and a printer that clients may use to conduct market research, create business plans, evaluate their company’s financial statements, and more. Counselors are available by appointment to assist clients with these activities. Please contact the Loudoun SBDC at (703) 430-7222 to make an appointment.
The Association of Small Business Development Centers has developed a network-wide market research clearinghouse, available through counseling appointment only, to assist SBDC clients in gathering market research information. SBDC counselors can request specific demographic and statistical information on behalf of their clients. This service is a valuable resource to the entrepreneur developing a business plan or to the business owner contemplating new product lines or geographic expansions.
County Library Resources
Reference USA: Provides realtime access to a database of 14 million businesses. Search by company name, type of business, geographical area, SIC code to name a few. Gives corporate linkage and credit rating codes. To access from your home or office, enter your LCPL library card barcode (with no spaces) where indicated.
http://inter1.loudoun.gov/lcpl/pveri/default.aspx?gtu=www.referenceusa.com
Town of Leesburg: Market Data
The key to identifying retail sales trends and potential for future growth is an analysis of retail sales and consumer spending. The Leesburg 2011 Retail Gap Analysis provides this information for several geographies (or trade areas), highlighting opportunities to provide local shoppers with items they currently travel outside the trade area to buy and opportunities to build upon existing “destination” retail clusters. At the Retail Opportunity Forum on September 20, 2012, members of the Economic Development Commission and staff explained how retailers, brokers and property owners could use this information to create retail success.
Online Resources
Financial Spreadsheets: Download our Loudoun SBDC 12-Month Cash Flow, Income Statement, Balance Sheet Template.
More Business: www.morebusiness.com Offers the business person an excellent source for current articles and news on all aspects of managing a business.
Thomas Register: Indexes of over 150,000 manufacturers. Search by company name, brand name, or product/service. Free registration is required. http://www.thomasnet.com/
Crowd Funding?? Check out kickstarter.com.
Federal Contracting: Download your copy of Braddock’s Procurement Opportunities Guide- 2013 Edition