Helpful Links
Small Business Resources
SBA's Small Business Resource Guide for Western New York
Published annually by the SBA, this resource is a comprehensive overview of the services and resources available to small business owners in all of Western New York. Click here to download the PDF of the 2020 version.
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Business Basics Start-Up Guide
This resource provides start-up information for the small business entrepreneur, including guidance writing a business plan, developing a marketing strategy, and financing your business. The guide includes templates and worksheets to help you understand basic financial statement terminology and to begin building out your projections. Click here to download the PDF.
NYS SBDC Research Network
The NYS SBDC Research Network is one of the most advanced business information resources in the country. Located in Albany, NY, the Research Network provides NYS SBDC advisers with the latest economic, demographic, regulatory and other data that can have an impact on small business. They have a wide range of invaluable resources available and do an outstanding job of supplying pertinent, relevant and up-to-date information that will help the small business entrepreneur with business start-up or expansion.
Chautauqua County Business Permit Center
The Chautauqua County Business Permit Center (CCBPC) provides a one-stop source for permits and licenses required by local municipalities, Chautauqua County, New York State, and the Federal government. The CCBPC can research and assemble a permit package to be mailed to the client. The customized packet includes a listing of the permits required for the specific business, information sheets, and copies of the applications, as well as agency contact information.
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Chautauqua Opportunities for Development
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. provides small business development services through an affiliate corporation, Chautauqua Opportunities for Development, Inc. (CODI). CODI’s mission is to develop opportunities for new and existing entrepreneurs in Chautauqua County and surrounding communities. CODI provides micro-loans, business consulting, and business start-up training to help local businesses grow and invest in our community.
BidLinks - Government Contract Bid Matching Service
Bidlinx™ is an on-line program that is a free service to New York State SBDC clients. It can help identify and locate government agencies that can purchase your goods and services by monitoring over 2000 bid sources daily and sending the opportunity to you via email. Bidlinx™ is a web-based service that monitors procurement possibilities from federal agencies, New York State agencies, county and local governments in all 50 states and US territories. The government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. Grow your business by learning how to access these market opportunities.
Educational Resources
EntreSkills – Introduction to Entrepreneurship
EntreSkills is an interactive, web-based program that is available to SBDC clients at no cost. It provides students with an introduction to entrepreneurship and the skills needed to start and operate a business. Resources include: a series of activity worksheets, website resources, entrepreneur case studies, entrepreneurial videos and an electronic newsletter for educators.
Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
You bring the idea, the passion, and the drive. We’ll supply the tools you need to support your business venture. Completed online or in the classroom, JCC’s entrepreneurship certificate program will provide you with an opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills with an understanding of accounting, marketing, business law, and management as they relate to business ownership. Through electives, you will have the opportunity to explore various areas of business and add a more in-depth level of skill that you can use in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
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A Guide to Social Media Marketing for Small Business (2020)
Participants will be introduced to key social media marketing concepts and learn how to create a comprehensive social media marketing strategy. This text includes hands-on activities for exploring audience analysis, goal planning, and content creation. Additionally, helpful material for generating a strong brand identity and voice as well as general content ideas across social media platforms is provided. Click here to download.
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