SMALL BUSINESS Recovery Guide
SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY
Business advisors and staff at the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center ( SBDC ), hosted by the College of Business Administration , are working hard to support small business owners who are facing unprecedented and steep challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic . Their commitment is to share the most timely information , processes , and resources available . Serving Huntsville-Walker County , as well as the counties of San Jacinto , North Montgomery , Trinity , Madison , Leon , and the City of Cleveland , the SHSU SBDC offers confidential one-on-one , no cost , professional business advising services to small business entrepreneurs and those wanting to start a new business . We have a number of resources available to help small businesses during this extraordinary time , including tips and solutions to navigate COVID-19 , access to business specialists , and free business webinars taught by industry experts , just to name a few . The advising staff can also assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in various stages of the business life cycle : pre-venture or early stage , startup , expansion , growth , and exit .
• Business Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Capital Access
• Loan Proposals
• Market Research
• Accounting Assistance
• Government Procurement
• Financial Analysis
• Sales and Marketing
• HUB Certification
DID YOU KNOW WE PROVIDE :
• A broad range of financial , market and demographic research reports customized to your industry and geographic location
• Research reports on popular small business ideas , including data , trends , associations , related sources of information and links
• Competitor list and location map to review competitive landscape and pinpoint market opportunities
• Guidebooks for Business Plans , Marketing Plans , Understanding Financial Statements , and Managing Cash Flow
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Designed to give businesses quick bursts of solutions , tips , and recommendations are available 24 hours a day , 7 days a week , and include a variety of topics in the following areas :
• Starting a Business • Procurement
• Managing a Business • Technology
• Marketing
• Food & Restaurant
• Money & Finance Also available in Spanish
BUSINESSES
THE SBDC
SHSU SBDC – The Help You Need Right Now !
Learning RX Lisa Branch , Franchise Owner
As a lifelong educator , Lisa ’ s heart has always been with those that struggle the most with learning . It has been her passion and highest achievement to bring a program to this area that provides help to those with learning difficulties . Lisa discovered Learning Rx and saw the type of results she wanted for children using a cognitive training program designed to train brains to work through difficulties using core learning and thinking skills and modalities . Lisa became acquainted with the SHSU SBDC team at local business events and Chamber of Commerce functions .
“ When the pandemic began , I knew exactly who to call ! The SBDC has always been a great source of information concerning best practices for my business , so there was no doubt that they would help guide me through this trying time . I received information , suggestions , advice concerning the various lending options , and timely assistance regarding the application process . They helped cut through the confusion and chaos . With their help , I was able to work through the application process to receive funds for both the EIDL and PPP loans . I also received information about PPP loan forgiveness . Thanks , SBDC for all you do to help small businesses succeed !
Hello Beautiful Nails & Spa Trinh Thao Huynh , Owner
Hello Beautiful Nails was a conjoined dream created by Trinh ’ s mother , grandmother and aunt . She stepped in to help them make it happen and started this past June . They provide you with a salon feel that is lavish and modern and deliver exceptionally high-quality nail services . As a firsttime business owner , Trinh needed help and turned to the SHSU SBDC after being referred by the local Chamber of Commerce . COVID-19 delayed her business start , so while waiting , she and her family chose to give back to the community by sewing masks and donating them to the hospital and all essential workers .
“ Working with my SBDC advisor , I obtained general business-related information , considerations for legally structuring my business and types of taxes that could affect business operations . I also learned about planning for the business , start-up considerations and employee matters such as hiring procedures and developing my employee manual / handbook . When COVID-19 started , I obtained information about the types of disaster assistance available and whether it could benefit me .”
Food-4-tha-Soul , LLC LaTanya Lewis , Owner
Cooking and baking with a sincere passion and love for others , Food- 4-tha-Soul was started by LaTanya Lewis in May of this year . It is a place where guests go to fellowship and experience childhood memories of love , family , church and community through Southern hospitality while enjoying Southern cuisine . LaTanya brings recipes handed down through her family back to life and intertwines them with her own culinary creations with an emphasis on providing healthy and nutritious options for families to enjoy together at the food park . LaTanya was referred to the SHSU SBDC for startup assistance by her certified public accountant .
“ The SBDC Director and staff were very helpful and resourceful in providing guidance for the business startup of Food-4-tha-Soul , LLC . They assisted me with my questions regarding legal structure , city health and permit requirements , sales tax collection and filing options . The SBDC also provided membership information for the Huntsville- Walker County Chamber of Commerce , which Food-4-tha-Soul has since joined . In addition , the SBDC discussed marketing for my grand opening and always gave encouragement with ideas on how best to proceed with my opening during the COVID-19 pandemic .” HUNTSVILLE LIVING | WINTER 2021 | 3