GETTING STARTED

Business Assistance

SPICE has developed a business assistance program using the U S Small Business Administration model, Small Business Start-Up Guide. SPICE facilitates periodic workshops on business start-up techniques, QuickBooks, business planning, financial management retail sales and online distance learning. A certified business advisor is available by appointment at the SPICE facility. SPICE consults with clients on an as-needed or requested basis. Funded by Ohio Department of Development, the SPICE micro loan program requires applicants have a well developed business plan. SPICE counsels loan applicants and provides training and guidance for their business plan development and presentation.

The staff has attended and participated in leadership and staff development workshops and conferences sponsored by the Heartland Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, Hocking College, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia and ACEnet.

The Small Business Development Center of Ohio University provides consulting and mentoring support to the staff and board; Borchers & Associates Inc provides consulting assistance in marketing and sales; and AREI (Appalachian Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative) of Ohio University provides program assessment and planning services to the staff.

SPICE encourages and supports Little Cities Saturdays, Holland Center and SPICYAM in programs that train students and adults in basic computer use, graphics, Power Point, Desk Top Publishing, Access, Excel and Quick Books!

The Internet also provides free business courses. www.myownbusiness.org is and excellent example.