MEMBER PROFILE
Shannon Sullivan
"I really found out how caring Alternatives is last October when I was called up to active duty after Hurricane Katrina," says member Shannan Sullivan. "Navy pay is only a fraction of what I make as a nurse practitioner. I panicked. I had to make provisions. In 24 hours Alternatives had arranged for me to pay interest only on smaller loans, and forebear my mortgage until I returned from active duty... Alternatives made me feel like I was the only person they had to worry about."
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Business CENTS
BUSINESS CENTS®
(Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services)
Are you interested in starting a business but don't know how to turn your talent or idea into a money making enterprise? Business CENTS® is your answer. Business CENTS® is a small business development program offering a "how to" business training course, seminars, one-on-one business counseling and marketing support for people interested in starting or expanding a business.
"Getting
Down to Business"
"Getting Down to Business" is an eleven-week business development course that
helps turn your business idea into a business reality. Learn the steps necessary
to get your business up and running. Topics include:
- Marketing
- Taxes
- Bookkeeping
- Loans
- Business structures
A focus of this course is for each participant to produce a business plan. Business CENTS® graduates value the added perk of a network of colleagues they've gotten to know who provide support as they continue to pursue their business goals.
Course fee:Subsidized
sliding scale $35-150 (based on median household income)
One-on-One Business Counseling
The Business CENTS® staff is available to help develop a marketing strategy, set goals, create financial statements, and answer questions. One-on-one business counseling provides the opportunity to put words to the plan you have for your business. If there's information or concerns we are unable to address, we are committed to work with you to search out the answers.
Business counseling
Monthly Networking Events
A seminar or special
event for Business CENTS® members is offered on a monthly basis. These seminars
give you the chance to learn, ask questions, and network with colleagues from
your own and other Business CENTS® classes. Enjoy such topics as
e-commerce and web design, credit card handling, marketing for agriculture,
and panel discussions on retail and service businesses. Topics suggested by
CENTS® members often turn into stimulating seminars.
Loan Preparation Assistance
Obtaining a business loan can be a formidable challenge for a potential or existing business owner. At Alternatives we have a Microloan Program designed specifically for small business owners. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your business, we are available to help you through the process of applying for a business loan. We'll sit down with you and review your completed application
and business plan to confirm that your documents are in order and ready to submit.
Business
Resource Center
Do you need a computer to get your business plan together? Are you looking for books to help in researching your business idea? Our Center is designed to help you. An expanding library of books, journals, and other reference materials are readily available for Business CENTS® members. And a computer, loaded with Word, Quickbooks, Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher, and internet access is available for CENTS® members to use. The resources we have, and continue
to develop, are here for you. Our goal is to help you succeed.
Business
CENTS Programs will help you:
- Assess your business'
financial feasibility
- Develop a marketing
strategy
- Write a business plan
- Learn management skills
- Understand business
and taxes
- Expand your business
with confidence
- Access free business
resources
"Your class has
been just great and I appreciate all the help! I'm actually
starting to think the people who say getting the ax was the best thing to happen to me, might be right. You guys are probably going to be the two most important instructors I have had in my entire life."
"You really made me think how to be practical and reasonable to bring profit back. I learned a very priceless lesson from you. Thank you very much."
"Thank you for making possible the excellent course on starting and succeeding in a small business. Our instructor was organized, knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly; her skill
made the course exceptionally useful and enjoyable for me."
For More Information Contact:
607-216-3423
Toll free: 877-273-AFCU Ext. 233
Email: CENTS@alternatives.org
Or stop in at the Business Resource Center
125 N. Fulton Street o Ithaca NY
built by Cyrus
