• Set realistic business and personal goals
• Develop a written business plan
• Learn the basics of record-keeping, financial statements, bookkeeping, marketing and MORE!
• Gain access to small loans, marketing assistance and other business support services
• Receive on-going assistance as your business grows

“The Small Business Jump Start class was a great experience!  I enjoyed learning about business in a relaxed atmosphere from an experienced and talented instructor, Gary Svetz.  It was both educational and fun at the same time.  I would recommend it to anyone with the desire to start a new business or to refresh an existing one.”  ………Judy S. Grandelis, AmaZing Foods Catering Co.

What are the Small Business Jump
Start Participant Benefits:

• Small comfortable group and supportive learning / working environment for excellent business networking.
• Programs are designed for 15-20 people you receive individual business attention – we nurture your personal and business development !!
• Many SBJS participants do business with each other and refer each other’s products and services to the community. That is over 100 businesses currently and growing !!
• After program support system that never ends. Business coaching continues after you graduate our program.
• Community resources are there for you. Several of our economic development, business resources, key business government and private sector are there to provide SBJS participants special attention to make our regional communities better
• Program participant resource binder is loaded with regional contacts, business resources and internet websites, grant resources, etc.
• Dedicated Free local community business coaching mentoring resources for legal, accounting, marketing, technical, marketing, customer service areas.
• Low interest revolving loan fund for SBJS program participants only. Flexible and supportive payment terms. ( Currently 4 % annual interest and no loan fees )
• Special business grant program contributed by the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce up to $ 500.00 per request. Free financial support to enhance your business.
• Business coach / instructor that has over 25 years business experience as a top executive and current entrepreneur with two successful business startups and has worked with over 350 clients within 15 years.
• There has been Five programs with a 85 % success business rate for new and existing businesses that have improved.
  ( Participants interest and passion for what they do contributes to such a high success rate !! )
• There are currently 9 area businesses and growing to provide access for small business jump start participants access and an opportunity for supportive local business
• Program participant self management resource tools: Time management awareness individual profile for  effectively improving their time management effectiveness and a sales skills profile for improving interpersonal and self promotion techniques for each participant to be more effective in their sales processes. ( An $ 175.00 value free to participants )
• One year free Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce membership and additional one month marketing business promotion insert
• One free six month Franklin Downtown Association membership
• Free trial 90 day Venango Area Chamber of Commerce membership
• Low cost payroll services
• Discounted records/ document software and storage services
• CRM software for small business- web based small business systems
• We are always adding additional benefits and having more community sponsors
• We work with initial ideas and more established businesses we like everyone !!
• Low initial program investment for the above resources -
  $ 75.00
• Future SBJS business trade fair event for past and current participants !!
• And yes its OK to have fun while we work together on your business !!

Program Sessions: Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 PM

Dan Brockett at 814-437-7607, cell 814-758-4090,
e-mail dlb14@psu.edu

Sponsors:

Penn State Cooperative Extension,
City of Franklin,
Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce,
Northwest Savings Bank,
Svetz Consulting Services LLC,
Oil Region Alliance,
ECCA Payroll & Business Solutions, Inc.
Hagan Business Machines, Inc.,
Keystone Community Education Council

Read more about Small Business Jump Start:
http://thederrick.com/stories/04062005-3010.shtml
http://www.thederrick.com/stories/04042005-1012.shtml

Read more about the small business climate in Venango County:
http://thederrick.com/stories/04162005-6003.shtml

Small Business Jump Start Graduates its First Class
http://www.thederrick.com/stories/04272006-5102.shtml