Title: Identify helpful resources, mentors, and professional advisers.
Course: Make It Your Business (12151-18) > Section: Planning for a Product or Service

Identification should include

- chambers of commerce
- media centers
- trade magazines and journals
- the Internet
- the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] and local SBA
- the Better Business Bureau
- other agencies (e.g., SCORE, Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia Small Business Development Centers [SBCD], Virginia's regional technology councils).
- other entrepreneurs
- bank representatives
- competitors
- conferences and conventions
- mystery shoppers
- trade association representatives.

Process/Skill Questions

- What is the importance of knowing about each of these sources of assistance?
- How might each of these resources be used to start a business?
- What information can be collected from each of these resources?
- What are the benefits of networking?
- What is the purpose of a business advisory board?
- How can attending conferences and conventions provide helpful resources and mentors?
- Why is having a mentor or professional adviser important?