Technical Assistance services are designed to respond to the individual needs of the business. Technical assistance is customized and should be delivered by an expert or trained staff person who understands the unique dynamics of a business. In the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center Model, this is done in a one-on-one format. The individualized technical assistance will be different based on the profile of a client as outlined below:
Designed to enhance business financial knowledge and strengthen business capabilities to start and/or maintain successful businesses. Group education will include the content below and vary based on client profiles.
Typically anything that is offered in a group training or workshop, can also be offered on an individual basis.
Note that individual services are reserved for more seasoned businesses (Solutions & Innovation).
BUSINESS ASSESSMENT
Services offerings are provided post-assessment as a way to determine the best way to support businesses and save the company time and energy. The online assessment will categorize businesses as outlined below. For each category, the Entrepreneurship Center has stated goals:
“My business is a startup or needs more information before starting.”
Outcomes/Goals – Client will complete a marketable business plan; register their business with SUNBIZ; establish an EIN number. The business is started.
“My business is operating and needs help with a business challenge.”
Outcome/goals – Client has resolved their business challenge and is now in a position to either make an application for capital investments or thrive without additional capital. The business is retained.
“My business needs help pursuing a growth opportunity.”
Outcome/goals – Client will be able to scale business and create jobs through access to capital through procurement and/or direct financing. The business is expanded.
For businesses who are assessed as Innovation clients who are in need of capital, they will also receive targeted support for loan readiness as outlined below:
Innovation level businesses will be screened eligibility and readiness for small business loans. The business will have completed an online application that pre-screens eligibility however documentation that supports the application must also be submitted through this process. During pre-loan counseling, the business will learn the process for review, expected wait time, availability of funds, and appropriate uses. The business will also discuss their need for capital. The business will also learn about the Urban League’s Small Business Loan product, other products available in the market and corresponding terms and conditions. Pre-loan counseling begins from the time of loan application through the loan closing.
Once a loan closing takes place, the business will receive follow up engagement with the Urban League to ensure timely payments. Periodic site visits, and collection of information regarding the business’s progress will also be secured during the post loan counseling. This engagement will continue until the loan is paid. In instances of financial difficulty, the Urban League will work with the business owner to review options for repayment to prevent default. In the instance of imminent default, the Loan Coordinator will conduct follow up due diligence activities to ensure necessary reporting is completed.
EVENTS /
OUTREACH
Other Business Development Services are designed to create new opportunities in external markets, introduce efficiencies in internal business operations, and position businesses for growth/expansion. Business development services are designed to help the client or business owner improve and strengthen the business.
Access to Market is a critical element of business growth. Access creates an opportunity for the business to connect to industry-specific education, business to business networking, procurement roundtables, import and export opportunities, and international trade. While business development services can include the aforementioned education activities, in this model.
Small Business Launch Workshop
Join the Entrepreneurship Launch Workshop and open the door to small business ownership. Explore opportunities that assist in creating, sustaining, and growing a business in South Florida. Learn more about end-to-end business development services, including access to capital.
Small Business Bootcamp
Dive into the world of business ownership with the six-week intensive Bootcamp. Gear up for an engaging, hands-on class that will equip you to take the next steps on your entrepreneurial journey. The Small Business Bootcamp offers sessions specifically targeting start-ups and established businesses while providing participants with the information and resources necessary to position a business for long-term success.
UBIZ Co-LAB
The Urban League of Broward County, in partnership with Truist and MasterCard, is excited to announce the launch of the UBIZ Co-Lab Membership Program. This new subscription-based service is designed to maximize small business growth in the market by exploring the power of small cohort learning. The premium business development service will assist entrepreneurs with increasing revenue and position them to scale. Access up to six months of personalized business coaching with experts in the areas of marketing, IT, accounting, and legal/operational.
TARGETED EFFORTS
UBIZ Co-Lab
Membership-based program
WHAT WILL UBIZ DO?
The UBIZ Co-Lab is an exclusive annual subscription-based membership that constitutes small cohort learning, networking with like-minded entrepreneurs with up to six months of personalized business coaching with experts in the area of marketing, IT, accounting, and legal/operations.
WHY JOIN:
For more information, or to sign up for the next cohort, please email smallbiz@ulbcfl.org
Sponsored by the Urban League of Broward County and the State of Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity
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