So, you have a successful Baie-Comeau business and you're looking to expand. Congratulations and well done! Here's some information about organizations that can help you grow your business.
If you are looking for business assistance, start by contacting the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA offers training, counseling, workshops, information about financing options, and referrals to lending, educational, and training institutions.
Administered by the SBA, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. We also recommend contacting the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). SCORE volunteers are retired or semi-retired business executives who donate their time and expertise to counsel and mentor individuals starting a business.
The SBA does not typically offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. While the SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments. For examples, see the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs and visit the New Markets Venture Capital Program (PowerPoint document). Low-interest government loans are another alternative you may wish to consider.
To get a list of federal programs and to apply for particular grants, please visit GovBenefits.gov. This is the official government benefits website, encompassing more than 400 federal and 600 state programs funded by various agencies. This site allows you to complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.
Many states provide resources that can help your business expand. The agencies that provide these resources vary from state to state. To locate one of these agencies, please contact your state government.
You can also research business compliance, tax and other regulatory issues that may affect the expansion of your business by visiting the Business.gov web site.
Veterans
If you are a veteran, you may also want to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs' Center for Veterans Enterprise. This office provides information for veterans who own or wish to start their own businesses.
Minorities
If you are a member of a minority group, you may also want to contact a regional or district office of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The MBDA offers information specifically for members of minority groups who own or wish to start their own businesses.
Business Taxes