An Introduction to the Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) – West Plains

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[toggle_item title="About SBTDC"]

The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains is a technical assistance provider that works with business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We offer business management training and confidential one-on-one consulting services to individuals who want to start a business or expand their existing business. Download our SBTDC Brochure (PDF 433 KB).

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[toggle_item title="Mission Statement"]
The SBTDC contributes to the growth of Missouri’s economy by improving the competitiveness of small businesses through education, technical assistance and coaching.
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[toggle_item title="SBTDC Network"]
The Missouri SBTDC has 28 offices statewide with 35+ business advisors. Our team has a variety of expertise, including personalized business consulting in management, marketing and strategic planning; technology development & commercialization; international trade; business growth; and tools for performance excellence, research and financial analysis. We work together to best serve you!
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[toggle_item title="Client Registration"]

Once you are accepted as a SBTDC client, you qualify for free, confidential, one-on-one business consulting sessions. During these times together, we focus on what your business needs to survive and thrive. You can become a client now by taking the Client Online Assessment and completing the SBTDC Client In-take Form (SBA Form 641). Once you are registered, sessions can be conducted in person, on the phone, or via email.
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[toggle_item title="Client Protocol"]
The SBTDC is supported by federal and state programs to provide confidential one-on-one business consulting. Please note that while our professional business consulting services are available at no cost to eligible small businesses, appointments are required in advance. Additionally, the business assessment and client in-take form (SBA Form 641) are required to satisfy public funding mandates. The SBTDC is obliged to account for the clients we serve, the services we provide, and the client outcomes resulting from our assistance. The continuation of our grant funding is dependent upon the economic impact of our clients. Accordingly, while we are happy to respond to questions at events, we respectfully require all clients seeking one-on-one appointments to comply with our office protocol. We are responsible and accountable for our time spent.
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[toggle_item title="Client Resources"]

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[toggle_item title="Who We Serve"]

Since 2001, the SBTDC-West Plains office has served over 700 clients resulting in over 700 new jobs created and 598 jobs retained. Clients have received over $18 million in loans and investments.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) helps both established small businesses and those just beginning. We work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture!

The SBTDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the South Central Missouri Ozarks region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright.

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[toggle_item title="Small Business Guidelines"]

  • Manufacturers employing up to 500
  • Wholesalers employing up to 100
  • Retailers with annual gross sales of up to $6.5 million
  • Service businesses with gross revenues of up to $6.5 million
  • General construction firms with average annual receipts of up to $31 million
  • Special trade construction with average annual receipts not exceeding $13 million
  • Agriculture with average annual receipts of up to $750,000

 

Missouri SBTDCs are part of a statewide network through the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program. The term "small business" is defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the Code of Federal Regulations (13 C.F.R. 121). To determine if you are a small business, please reference the SBA Small Business Size Standards. You will need your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. You can also use the SBA Size Standard Tool to assist in determining if you qualify as a small business concern.

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[toggle_item title="Connect with SBTDC"]

Located at the West Plains Civic Center
Bronwen Madden, Coordinator
Glenda Ochoa, Business Assistant
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
110 Saint Louis Street, Mezzanine Level (West Entrance)
West Plains, MO 65775
Phone (417) 255-7966
Fax (417) 255-7963
wpsbdc@missouristate.edu
http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/sbtdc.htm

Mailing Address

Missouri State University-West Plains
University/Community Programs
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
128 Garfield Avenue
West Plains, MO 65775

SBTDC QR

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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[toggle_item title="I would like to talk with someone about starting a business (or) I need help with my business."]

We want to talk with you! New clients must first complete the SBA 641 Form (we cannot consult with anyone until this form has been received). We have hard-copies in the SBTDC Welcome Folder and clients can also fill out the form electronically via our website—go to the Client Resources on the right-hand sidebar and click “Client In-take Form”. After we receive the SBA 641 Form, they are eligible to schedule an appointment.

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[toggle_item title="How can I schedule an appointment?"]
There are two ways to schedule an appointment.

1.  Call Glenda Ochoa, Business Assistant, to schedule an appointment by phone at (417) 255-7966.

2.  Go to our website and schedule an appointment directly; click the “Schedule an Appointment” link on the right-hand sidebar under Client Resources.

Note: Client appointments are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons to avoid meeting conflicts. However, if a client is unable to meet during this time, we will make accommodations around his or her schedule. Special appointment times will need to be scheduled in advance with Glenda.

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[toggle_item title="How can I find out about training or register for an event?"]
Event information is posted on our website and included in the SBTDC Welcome Folder. For information on SBTDC training, click the SBTDC Training link on the left-hand sidebar. To register for an event, click the “Register for Training Events” link under Client Resources on the right-hand sidebar. Clients can also go directly to http://SBTDC.eventbrite.com to register. Clients are not registered until payment has been received. Registration is required two-days in advance and we prefer clients register through our website and pay with a credit or debit card. We will accept cash with advance notice (upon registration).

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[toggle_item title="Is there a cost or fee for services?"]

SBTDC will never charge a fee for private consulting or coaching services but we do charge a nominal fee for business training and specialized services. Prices vary depending on our costs (we sometimes must pay a licensing fee for training materials). All prices will be listed on the event’s registration page. To view all upcoming events, go to our SBTDC website or visit http://SBTDC.eventbrite.com.[/toggle_item][toggle_item title="Can we serve clients in Arkansas?"]
Our SBTDC service area in the West Plains office covers clients in the seven-counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright. However, we are allowed to work with clients in any contiguous state. We recommend you work with the SBTDC office nearest you (we are the closest SBTDC office for many people who live in Northern Arkansas).

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Small Business Success

There are several ways SBTDC clients can share their business success.

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[toggle_item title="Video Testimonial"]

Clients can submit a video testimonial about their experience with the services received by the SBTDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains. Simply record a short video and we will add it to our SBTDC YouTube channel. Clients are also welcome to utilize our video recording equipment available at the SBTDC office.
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[toggle_item title="Success Story"]

The SBTDC hosted by MSU-WP selects several clients annually to be featured in our Missouri Business Development Program newsletter and some success stories also get featured in the national ASBDC newsletter. If you would like to share your small business success, please provide the information needed per the National SBDC Success Template. Our communications team will also follow-up with a 30-minute phone interview.

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[toggle_item title="Advocacy Day"]

The Missouri Business Development Program (MBDP) Advocacy Day is celebrated annually with members of the Missouri Legislature. Select clients who have shared a Success Story can be nominated to receive an Excellence in Businessaward. Recipients are invited to Jefferson City, Missouri to be formally recognized and receive a resolution from their state senator or representative.

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[toggle_item title="SBA Awards"]

The SBA celebrates small business success with a number of prestigious annual awards including the Small Business Person of the Year award. This is an excellent way to share your story and garner additional promotional opportunities.

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SBTDC Partners & Resource Partners

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[toggle_item title="Official Partners of the SBTDC"]

 

The SBTDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Programs are extended to the public on a non- discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Bronwen Madden, SBTDC Coordinator, 110 Saint Louis St., West Plains, MO 65775 or (417) 255-7966 to make arrangements.

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[toggle_item title="SBA Offices"]

U.S. Small Business Administration Resource Partners that also serve the South Central Missouri Ozarks region include the organizations below.

SBA Regional Offices support local district offices and work to advocate economic development, growth and competitiveness within their geographic area. Region VII serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

SBA District Offices offer counseling, training and business development specialists to help you start and grow your business. The Kansas City District Office serves Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Texas and Wright counties. The Saint Louis District Office serves Shannon and Oregon counties.

The SBA Branch Office in Springfield is the closest office to the South Central Missouri Ozarks Region. It is located at 830 East Primrose, Suite 101, Springfield, MO 65807. Call Suzanne Stearman, Branch Manager, at 417-890-8501 for assistance.

SBA Disaster Field Offices offer counseling and financial assistance to those who are rebuilding their homes and businesses after natural disasters.

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[toggle_item title="Certified Development Company"]

Certified Development Companies (CDCs) are nonprofit corporations certified and regulated by the SBA, which work with participating lenders to provide financing to small businesses.

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[toggle_item title="Manufacturers Extension Partnership"]

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The MEP for Missouri is Missouri Enterprise. Call Russell Humphrey, Area Business Manager, at 314-434-6300 for assistance.

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[toggle_item title="Procurement Technical Assistance Center"]

Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) provide technical assistance to businesses that want to sell products and services to federal, state, and/or local governments. The West Plains PTAC is hosted by the Howell County MU Extension Center.

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[toggle_item title="SCORE Mentors"]

SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of over 13,000 volunteer business counselors, advisors, and mentors who offer free counseling and mentoring throughout the U.S. and its territories. The Springfield Chapter serves the South Central Missouri Ozarks region. Email a Mentor or Request a Meeting

Click here to read SCORE Mentors' biographies.

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[toggle_item title="U.S. Export Assistance Center"]

U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) are designed to provide export assistance and make worldwide commerce achievable for your small- or medium-sized business. The St. Louis U.S. Export Assistance Center services the South Central Missouri Ozarks Region. Click here to visit their website.

International Trade Specialist by Industry Sector:

  • Cory Simek (314-260-3782): Education; Travel and Tourism; Publishing, Media and Entertainment
  • Chris Poli (314-260-3783): Industrial Equipment and Supplies; Automotive and Ground Transportation; Information and Communication Technologies; Business, Professional and Technical Services
  • Kristi Wiggins (314-260-3787): Health Technologies and Bioscience; Architecture, Engineering and Construction; Energy; Finance and Insurance
  • Margaret Gottlieb (314-260-3786): Food Processing and Packaging; Agribusiness; Environmental Technologies; Textiles, Apparel and Sporting Goods
  • Warren Anderson (314-260-3785): Aerospace and Defense; Consumer Goods and Home Furnishings; Security and Safety

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[toggle_item title="Veteran's Business Outreach Center"]

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) are designed to provide entrepreneurial development services and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. In Missouri, the VBOC is the Veterans Business Resource Center located in St. Louis and Kansas City.

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[toggle_item title="Women's Business Center"]

Women's Business Centers (WBCs) represent a national network of educational centers designed to assist women to start and grow small businesses. In Missouri, the WBC is the Grace Hill's Women's Development Center/Grace Hill Settlement House located in St. Louis.

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