Interested in a business tune-up?
Maybe you have an idea for a new start-up business, but you are not sure where to start. The Moab Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be presenting the new programs and services they have to offer at a meet-and-greet at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The free “brown bag” event will take place at the Utah State University Moab (USU-Moab) extension campus.
“The idea of the SBDC is to strengthen Moab’s economy by strengthening local, small business,” Moab SBDC director Kris Marsh said.
USU-Moab, which had a SBDC about 10 years ago, negotiated funding to revive the program for the Moab community.
Funding for SBDCs comes from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the U.S. Small Business Administration, and through partnerships with Utah colleges and universities around the state. Once funding was secured, Marsh was hired as the part-time director for the center.
“As a land-grant university, it’s (USU-Moab’s) commitment to serve the public through learning, discovery and engagement in our local communities,” USU-Moab Dean Steve Hawks said. “We find it imperative to engage, develop and strengthen our local economy where our local campuses reside. ”
The Moab SBDC offers numerous services for already established businesses, and assistance to individuals looking to start a new business. Services include consulting, training and access to business resources. All services are provided free of charge.
“Everything is confidential,” Marsh said. “If somebody comes in here and they have an idea, I am not going to talk about it.”
Marsh said she can offer counseling for business improvement, assist people in creating and implementing strategic plans, business plans, marketing plans, and help people to obtain funding. The SBDC also has education programs and trainings in areas such as finance, management, marketing, and labor and employment.
“What I really do is brainstorm with people,” Marsh said. “Because when you’re so close to your own business idea, you need someone to ask the tougher questions. And that is what I am really here to do is help people clarify what they really want to be doing.”
The free brown-bag event will feature presentations from Marsh, City of Moab economic development specialist Ken Davey, Moab Chamber of Commerce executive director Jodie Hugentobler, and the State of Utah workforce development specialist Kelly Thornton.
“The brown-bag event is an opportunity for local businesses and individuals to come learn about the new small business development center and meet our new director, Kris Marsh.” Hawks said.
The Moab SBDC will also offer three more free trainings over the next two months. On Wednesday, Sept. 24 an economist from the Department of Workforce Services will present labor statistics for the state of Utah. On Wednesday, Oct. 8 an expert from Salt Lake City will talk about how to export products internationally. Finally, on Friday, Oct. 24 there will be presentation about unemployment insurance. All trainings will take place at noon at the USU-Moab campus.
“As we all do better at business, the state benefits and the people who live here benefit too,” Marsh said.
Experts present on strategies, resources, at Brown Bag event
“What I really do is brainstorm with people. Because when you’re so close to your own business idea, you need someone to ask the tougher questions. And that is what I am really here to do is help people clarify what they really want to be doing.”
Where: USU-Moab campus, 125 W. 200 South
When: Wednesday, Sept. 3 at noon
Cost: Free
