Course: SLF 130 Marketing Practices for the Small Business

Unit 5 Writing Assignment

Building Partnerships

This assignment requires you to look at websites and make some phone calls to local organizations. PLEASE make at least one phone call; it is easy to look at information on a website, but, as a future business owner you must become comfortable with making personal connections and direct contact with those individuals and organizations that can support your business.

Assignment: Identify at least three resources in your community that provide assistance to small business start-ups.
a.    Identify them by name/title, website address, phone number, or physical address.
b.    Identify the services or support mechanisms they may provide to a start-up business.
c.    Describe how each of these three organizations or individuals can assist your start-up business. If you have not identified a specific start-up business at this time, work with a “sample” business idea.

If you have specifically defined the industry in which you intend to operate a business, seek out specific organizations that might offer specialized services. For example, if you are going to offer organic/locally grown foods, the university extension service will be a resource. If you are training to be a licensed massage therapist or physical trainer, look for organizations that support self-employed businesses.

This is an example of what your submission will look like.
(Include components a. b. and c. as listed above).

Resource #1.  (example) I called the Economic Development office who directed me to the SCORE office. Mr. XXXXX explained that SCORE volunteers will review business plans and assist aspiring entrepreneurs in determining potential funding sources in our community.  I will ask SCORE to look over my initial business plan, specifically the marketing plan.  I will specifically ask for advice about contacting local TV and radio stations to get free or paid air time for promotional efforts. I will specifically ask if there are any local or regional magazines that highlight stories about new businesses.

Resource #2.  I called the local Chamber of Commerce. Follow the format provided.

Resource #3.  I traveled to the local state university in a nearby town where there is a well-known program associated with my industry.  Follow the format provided.

Your submission should be between one to three pages in length.

Save your work in a document on your computer. Submit the completed document in the Dropbox for this unit, found on the Course Home page. (20 points)