SBA Definition of “In Business”

They MUST HAVE completed required registration (s), if applicable, with the local,

state, and/or Federal government (e.e. DBA registration, get a business license, agency issued tax identifications, etc.)

AND at least ONE of the following:• Has documented a transaction from the sale of a product or professional or personal

service for the purpose of gain or profit;• Has contracted for or compensated an employee(s) or independent contractor(s) to

perform essential business functions;• Has acquired debt or equity capital to pursue business operations (e.g., to purchase

inventory, equipment, building, business, etc.) or• Has incurred business expenses in the operation of a business.

Intake Process powerpoint: September 14, 2007

• New SBDC Website– Smart Start– Grow Smart

• eCenterDirect• Smart Start Assessment

Tools

Issues

• SBA counts “business starts” • Because of the SBA’s generous definition more people are

classified as in-business and may qualify for an appointment

• Fewer people will be nascent – Reduces the number of “business starts” – ‘Business starts’ is counted by SBA– Conflicts with SBDC goal of servicing “dreamers” by

services other than counseling.

SBDC may add another layer to further qualify clients

Select

Smart Start

Clie

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BD

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ebsi

teVirtual Classroom

Resource links

Feasibility Workbook

Client reads welcome

message with instructions

Explo

re o

n y

our

ow

n

Direct to Smart Start Assessment

Prospect Completes Smart Start Assessment

Prospect Receives Custom

Guidesheet

Data also entered into a master database and

sent to regions by e-mail

SBDC Staff performs monthly Prospect

tracking/follow-up to track progress

Pro

spect m

ay b

e d

irecte

d

to e

-cente

r BA

SED

ON

SC

OR

E

Select

GROW SMART

Clie

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Client reads welcome

message with QUALIFYING QUESTION.

E-Center Direct for Appointment

Region Responds

Qualifying Question:

I've never been in business, and I have an idea. I'm not sure how to move forward.

I'm not in business yet, but I've done a few things, and I'm not sure how to move forward.

I have been in business before, but I am interested in starting a different business.

I have been operating my business and have paid taxes but am concerned about the lack of growth.

I have started my business but have not been able to make many (or any) sales.

I've been in business a year or more and have made sales, but my sales are now declining.

Sales are fine, I'm looking to expand.

Sales are fine, I'm looking for specific technical help on financing or technology.

I am in business, none of the above applies, but I still need help.

IN BUSINESS (7 lower

responses)

NOT YET IN BUSINESS (first two responses)

Redirect to Smart Start

Area/Smart Start Assessment Tool

Clie

nt

calls

/vis

its

Reg

ional O

ffice

Use standard intake process based on SBA definitions to

determine client status

Not in business Refer to Smart Start Button on

Website to complete

Entrepreneur Readiness

Assessment

Make Appointment

Existing/Grow Smart