Title: Identify business resources, mentors, and professional advisers.
Course: Make It Your Business (12151-18) > Section: Exploring Entrepreneurship

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 Small Business Development Centers [SBCD]).
- other entrepreneurs
- bank representatives
- competitors
- conferences and conventions
- mystery shoppers
- reviews (e.g., surveys, online platforms)
- small business incubators and accelerators
- trade association representatives.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How might each of these resources be used when starting a business?
- What are the benefits of networking?
- What is the purpose of a business advisory board?
- How can attending conferences and conventions connect one to resources and mentors?
- Why is having a mentor or professional adviser important?