My family's credit union has been Alternatives since '96; We liked the mission, and who could resist banking in a converted house? In 2005 I started thinking about a retail start-up called "Home Green Home" that would sell healthy and eco-conscious home furnishings and renovation supplies. The Business CENTS class helped me to understand and develop the elements of a business plan, and set me on the path to taking the big leap.
At every stage, I've felt well supported by Alternatives' friendly staff. From one-on-one consultation to business banking and credit needs, I've received quick, helpful service at Alternatives. We always look to partner with organizations that share our values, and Alternatives fits the bill.
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.
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
Business CENTS's Services Include:
Getting Down to Business "Getting Down to Business" is a 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:
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 $80-300 (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.
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.
Intensive Business Coaching
Many small businesses feel a need for someone to turn to for regular, on-going assistance, especially during challenging times. CENTS’s coaching program pairs the business owner with his or her own personal mentor who acts as a resource, sounding board and advisor. In a series of one-to-one consultations over several months, the coach and client work together to problem solve, strategize, set action steps, and keep the client accountable to his or her goals.
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.
"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. 728
Email: CENTS@alternatives.org
Or stop in at the Business Resource Center:
125 N. Fulton Street, Ithaca, NY
built by Cyrus
