1. DALLAS/
FORT WORTH
Helping
Small Business
Start, Grow
and Succeed
PAGE
8 Getting Started in Dallas/Fort Worth
PAGE
20 Financing Your Business
PAGE
31 Ideas For Growing Companies
WWW.SBA.GOV • YOU R SMALL B USI N ESS R ESOU RCE

4. contents
SMALL BUSINESS
PR
ublishing
ENI 150 Third Street, S.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33880-2907
Publishers of Small Business Resource
Advertising
Phone: 863-294-2812 • 800-274-2812
Fax: 863-299-3909 • www.sbaguides.com
Staff
2009 DALLAS/FORT WORTH President/CEO
Joe Jensen jjensen@reni.net
FEATURES English Small Business Resource Advertising
Nicky Harvey nharvey@reni.net
5 Introduction 37 Disaster Recovery
Martha Theriault
John Beward
mtheriault@reni.net
jbeward@reni.net
• 5 Welcome Letter There are several types of
assistance available to
• 6 Director’s Message Creative and Production
qualified applicants.
Diane Traylor dtraylor@reni.net
8 Getting Started 38 Advocacy
Ron Palfrey
Mary Nason
rpalfrey@reni.net
mnason@reni.net
Everything you need to know Find out about the outside Mami Li mli@reni.net
about setting up, marketing research for the small business
owners.
and managing the revenue of Finance
Denise Harwell dharwell@reni.net
your business.
39 Other Sources of
Assistance Research Manager
16 Regulations Chambers of Commerce can be Cheryl Watwood cwatwood@reni.net
Common requirements that a vital resource for the small
business owner. IT Department
affect small businesses. Jay Hook jhook@reni.net
40 Lender Listing
20 Getting Approved
Financing Options SBA’s Marketing Office:
The Small Business Resource Guide is published
to Start or Grow Your Business. under the direction of SBA’s Office of Marketing and
Customer Service.
31 Small Business Director
Laura Fox laura.fox@sba.gov
Training Network Editorial Content
5
Find out how and where the Robert Dillier robert.dillier@sba.gov
Graphic Design
SBA can help your business grow. Gary
Shellehamer gary.shellehamer@sba.gov
32 Contracting Opportunities
SBA is working to ensure small
“Everything you need to know Information in this Small Business Resource is subject
about setting up, marketing to change without notice. While every reasonable
businesses obtain fair share of effort has been made to ensure that the information
government contracts and and managing the revenue of was accurate as of publication date, RENI and its
employees, agents, clients and distributors shall not
subcontracts with a number
of programs.
your business. ” be liable for any damages arising from the use of or
reliance on the information contained in this
publication or from omissions to this publication.
Printed in the United States of America
Ways To Evaluate Your SBA’s participation in this publication is not an
endorsement of the views, opinions, products or
services of the publisher or any advertiser or other
Strengths and Weaknesses participant appearing herein. All SBA programs or
cosponsored programs are extended to the public
on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Page 9
4 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

5. The U.S. Small Business Administration
WELCOME
merica is a country of entrepreneurs. It was built This resource guide is your roadmap to all of our
A by entrepreneurs, and over the years, our
economy has grown on the strength of our
entrepreneurs. America has an economy that
valuable products and services. We hope that you’ll
read it closely; the SBA team has worked hard to
ensure the information here is useful and up to date.
regenerates, is flexible, and adapts to opportunity. In addition, we encourage you to visit your local SBA
And this is due in large part to the entrepreneurial District Office, which is a great portal to SBA
spirit and drive of small business owners like you. assistance and can help you start and grow your
business.
The U.S. Small Business Administration plays a vital
role in enabling America’s entrepreneurs and small “Our Nation’s strength lies in the freedom to pursue
business owners. Some of America’s corporate icons, dreams and turn ideas into enterprises,” President
in fact, received some help from SBA along the way – Bush stated recently. “By taking risks and starting new
companies like Intel, Apple, Staples, FedEx, Nike, and ventures, America’s entrepreneurs are creating jobs,
Under Armour, to name a few. growing our economy, and helping secure our
country’s place as a leader in the global economy.”
Through our wide array of services – loan guaranties,
assistance for small businesses in federal contracting, Entrepreneurs and small business owners will
and business counseling – the SBA has helped continue to drive our economy, and the SBA and our
millions of entrepreneurs start and grow their small network of resource partners will continue to enable
businesses. The agency continues to expand our their success. In the pages of this resource guide,
support for small businesses. We currently guarantee you’ll be able to find important information about all
more than $75 billion in loans and investments; our of the products and services that the SBA offers to
resource partners’ network of more than 1,500 help you.
centers provide counseling to more than 1 million
entrepreneurs every year; and we helped small Running your own business is challenging: the hours
businesses secure close to $80 billion in prime federal are long and the demands are high. But it is also
contracts. rewarding. As you work to realize your small business
dreams, we hope that you’ll keep in mind all that SBA
can offer, and let us help you succeed.
About the SBA
www.sba.gov
Your Small Business Resource
Every day, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its nationwide • Growing a Business
network of partners help millions of potential and current small • Opportunities in Contracting
business owners start, grow and succeed. • Recovering From Disaster
• A Voice for Small Business in Government
Resources and programs targeting small businesses provide an
advantage necessary to help small businesses effectively compete in Visit SBA online at www.sba.gov for 24/7 access to small business
the marketplace and strengthen the overall U.S. economy. news, information and training for entrepreneurs.
SBA offers help in the following areas: All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory
• Starting a Business basis.
• Financing a Business
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 5

6. Message From The District Director
Rules For Success
Like today’s small businesses, large corporate success stories
started with only an entrepreneur and a dream.
he Dallas/Fort Worth District 10,707 loans for a total of $1.9 billion, For these many reasons, the SBA
and the 8(a) portfolio consists of Dallas/Fort Worth District Office is
T Office of the U. S. Small
Business Administration
(SBA) encompasses 72
counties in North Texas and
serves approximately 7.7 million
residents and over 649,232 small
business establishments constituting
195 firms.
Thanks to our resource partners, the 20
Small Business Development Centers
(SBDCs), the four chapters of SCORE,
and the Dallas/Fort Worth District
Office Staff, counseling and training
pleased and honored to cooperate with
the publishers of RENI Publishing in
producing the Small Business Resource
Guide. We recommend your retention
of this publication, a source of
important small business information
for the future.
approximately 99 percent of the total were provided to thousands of present
business population. and prospective entrepreneurs. Sincerely,
The Dallas/Fort Worth District Office None of these accomplishments would
has 400 participating lenders. In Fiscal have been possible without the
Year 2008, the D/FW District Office tremendous support and cooperation of
approved 2,060 loans from these area lending institutions, chambers of
commerce, education institutions, and
Herbert Austin
institutions for a dollar value of
approximately $606 million. The retired and active business volunteers.
District Director of
current loan portfolio consists of
SBA's Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
We Welcome Your Questions The SBA helps business
owners grow and expand
For extra copies of this publication or
questions please contact:
their businesses every day.
Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
4300 Amon Carter Boulevard, Suite 114
Fort Worth,TX 76155
Tel.: 817-684-5500 • 817-355-1933
Fax: 816-684-5516
Website: www.sba.gov/tx
6 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

7. Doing Business in Dallas/Fort Worth
THE DALLAS/FORT WORTH Free counseling, advice and information on
DALLAS/
DISTRICT OFFICE
The Dallas/Fort Worth District Office is
starting, better operating or expanding a
small business through SCORE –
FORT WORTH
responsible for the delivery of SBA's many Counselors to Americas Small Business and SBA Staff Listing
Small Business Development Centers
programs and services. The District Office is
located at 4300 Amon Carter Boulevard, (SBDCs). They also conduct training events www.sba.gov/tx
Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX. Office hours are throughout the district - some require a
ALLEN, Eugene (8a/BD) 817-684-5539
from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday nominal registration fee.
AUSTIN, Herbert (DD) 817-684-5502
through Friday. BAKA, Andrew (LEGAL) 817-684-5509
Assistance to businesses owned and BATCHELOR, Cynthia (ADM) 817-684-5514
controlled by socially and economically BATES, Glen (FD) 817-684-5504
CONTACTING THE BROWN, Arlene (DD Office) 817-684-5541
disadvantaged individuals through the
DALLAS/FORT WORTH Business Development Program. DeROUEN, Vickie (ED&PIO) 817-684-5535
DISTRICT OFFICE DUFFER, Greg (8a/BD) 817-684-5550
ESPIE, Perry (FD) 817-684-5545
For program and service information, A Women's Business Ownership JONES, Annie (FD) 817-684-5522
please contact the Marketing Division, Representative is available to assist women MEDINA, Bill (ED) 817-684-5517
Betty Thrower at 817-684-5500. For business owners. Please contact Vickie MONTGOMERY, Jennie (8a/BD) 817-684-5524
information on financing, please contact DeRouen at 817-684-5535. NICHOLS, Maryann (ED) 817-684-5511
Perry Espie at 817-684-5500. SCHEU, Tena (ADM) 817-684-2221
SCHUFFORD, Glenda (8a/BD) 817-684-5526
Special loan programs are available for SCHULZE, Rick (EXPORT) 817-310-3749
SERVICES AVAILABLE businesses involved in international trade. STANDIFER, Ron (FD) 817-684-5534
Financial assistance for new or existing THROWER, Betty (ED/8a/BD) 817-684-5529
businesses through guaranteed loans made A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to URBAN, Debbie (ADM) 817-684-5519
WEISENBERGER, Ron (DC) 817-684-5507
by area bank and non-bank lenders. assist veterans. Please contact Bill Medina
at 817-684-5517. SBA Region VI Staff
GEARY, Virginia 817-684-5581
MONTES, Joseph 817-684-5580
SUCCESS STORY RCD – Vacant 817-684-5512
Region VI Advocacy
A.P. Merritt Munson, Eric 501-324-5871
Merritt Tool Company, Inc. ext. 24
Kilgore, TX Senior Area Counsel
Flato, Frank M. 817-684-5542
Resource Partners
Merritt Tool Company is a modern machine Early on, Merritt learned from his father that SCORE, Dallas 214-987-9491
shop manufacturing facility, specializing in complex, working long, hard hours and dedication to the SCORE, Fort Worth 817-871-6002
medium to large, CNC milling, turning, grinding church, community and family were the SBDC, Dallas 214-860-5865
and assembly. Merritt Tool serves customers in cornerstones to achieving success in life. SBDC, Fort Worth 817-871-6028
the aerospace, energy and commercial industries. Community service has always been important to BAC, Fort Worth 817-871-6001
A. P. Merritt, Sr., founded the company in 1928, and Merritt, and he has volunteered many hours
today,A. P. Merritt, Jr., is the President and CEO of working with groups such as Kilgore’s Laird
the production facility in Kilgore,Texas. Hospital, Longview Regional Hospital Board,
The company’s early success was launched by Kilgore Historical Preservation board and
the manufacturing of the “gold fishtail” bit used to Kilgore’s youth sports programs.
drill hundreds of oil wells in East Texas. Merritt Merritt Tool has been a client of the Kilgore
Tool grew dramatically in the first two decades. As College Small Business Development Center
the business grew, it began to diversify its business (SBDC) in Longview,Texas. The SBDC can assist
and was awarded its first government contract in new businesses and established companies such as
1949 when the company was chosen to repair and MerrittTool with all phases of business operations.
manufacture bomb-loading carts at Kelly Air Force The Kilgore SBDC has been particularly helpful in
Base. providing guidance on government contracting to
Although Merritt Tool has had its ups and Merritt Tool. The SBDC has been a valuable
downs related to the East Texas oil fields, Merritt resource to Merritt Tool with information on
has been able to diversity the business into many government specifications which has assisted the
other areas providing job security for many company in bidding on government contracts.
employees; currently employing 109 highly skilled Aside from Merritt’s efforts in business and
workers. The company is committed to making civic duties, he enjoys spending time managing his
the right investments in people, equipment, quality, hunting ranch in West Texas and enjoying life with
lean manufacturing and customer service. his six grandchildren.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 7

8. INTRODUCTION
GETTING STARTED
The SBA Can Help You Start And Expand Your Own Business
First, you’ll need to generate a little bit of
perspiration deciding whether you’re the
right type of person to start your own
business.
IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FOR YOU?
In business, there are no guarantees.There
is simply no way to eliminate all the risks
associated with starting a small business - but
you can improve your chances of success
with good planning, preparation, and insight.
Start by evaluating your strengths and
weaknesses as a potential owner and
manager of a small business. Carefully
consider each of the following questions:
• Are you a self-starter? It will be entirely up
very day the U.S. Small Business to you to develop projects, organize your
Administration and its nationwide for SBDCs or
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/s
E
succeed.
network of resource partners help
millions of potential and current small
business owners start, grow and
Whether your target market is global or
just your neighborhood, the U.S. Small
bdc/index.html
and
“Women’s Business Centers from the
www.sba.gov/services/ choose
“Counseling & Assistance” heading at the
bottom.
These professionals can also help you with
writing a formal business plan, locating
time, and follow through on details.
• How well do you get along with different
personalities? Business owners need to
develop working relationships with a
variety of people including customers,
vendors, staff, bankers, and professionals
such as lawyers, accountants, or
consultants. Can you deal with a
Business Administration and its partners can sources of financial assistance, managing and demanding client, an unreliable vendor, or a
help at every stage of turning your expanding your business, finding cranky receptionist if your business
entrepreneurial dream into a thriving interests demand it?
opportunities to sell your goods or services
• How good are you at making decisions?
business. to the government, recovering from disaster Small business owners are required to
If you’re just starting, the SBA and its or acting as advocates for small businesses make decisions constantly - often quickly,
resources can help you with loans and with Congress and regulatory agencies. independently, and under pressure.
business management skills. If you’re already The SBA has programs for helping special • Do you have the physical and emotional
in business, you can use the SBA’s resources audiences, such as women and veterans, stamina to run a business? Business
to help manage and expand your business, become small business owners. ownership can be exciting, but it's also a
lot of work. Can you face six or seven
obtain government contracts, recover from Most new business owners who succeed 12–hour workdays every week?
disaster, and have your voice heard in the have planned for every phase of their success. • How well do you plan and organize?
federal government. Thomas Edison, the great American inventor, Research indicates that poor planning is
You can access SBA help online 24 hours a once said, “Genius is 1 percent inspiration responsible for most business failures.
day at www.sba.gov or visit one of our and 99 percent perspiration.” That same Good organization — of financials,
local offices for assistance. philosophy also applies to starting a business. inventory, schedules, and production —
can help you avoid many pitfalls.
Resources To Get You Started
Our resources include the SBA’s district
offices serving every state and territory, • You get to be your own boss.
nearly 400 offices of SCORE – Counselors to
America’s Small Businesses, more than 1,000
• Hard work and long hours directly benefit you,
ON THE UPSIDE
Small Business Development Centers
rather than increasing profits for someone else.
primarily located on college campuses, and • A new venture is exciting.
approximately 114 Women’s Business
It’s true, there are a lot of reasons
not to start your own business. But
Centers located across the country. More
• Earnings and growth potential are far less limited.
for the right person, the advantages
information about SCORE, SBDCs and the of business ownership far outweigh • Running a business will provide endless
WBCs is detailed later in this publication, or the risks. variety, challenge and opportunities to learn.
you can click on www.score.org,
8 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

9. • Is your drive strong enough? Running a
business can wear you down emotionally.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS
EVALUATE Some business owners burn out quickly CONSIDERATIONS
from having to carry all the responsibility Going to work used to mean traveling
for the success of their business on their from home to a plant, store or office. Today
Start by evaluating your own shoulders. Strong motivation will help many people do some or all their work at
you survive slowdowns and periods of
burnout.
home.
Garages, basements and attics are being
strengths and weaknesses
• How will the business affect your family?
The first few years of business start-up can transformed into the corporate
be hard on family life. It's important for headquarters of the newest entrepreneurs –
family members to know what to expect the home-based business person.
and for you to be able to trust that they
will support you during this time. There Getting Started
also may be financial difficulties until the Before diving headfirst into a home-based
1. Are you a self-starter?
business becomes profitable, which could
business, you must know why you are doing
It will be up to you – not
take months or years. You may have to
it. To succeed, your business must be based
someone else telling you – to
adjust to a lower standard of living or put
develop projects, organize your
family assets at risk in the short-term. on something greater than a desire to be
time and follow through on Once you’ve answered those questions, your own boss. You must plan and make
you should consider what type of business improvements and adjustments along the
road.
details.
you want to start.
Ask yourself these questions – and
remember, there are no best or right reasons
2. How well do you get along
with different personalities? FRANCHISING for starting a home-based business. But it is
Business owners need to There are more than 3,000 franchised important to understand what the venture
businesses.The challenge is to decide on one involves.
that both interests you and is a good Working under the same roof where your
develop working relationships
investment. Many franchising experts suggest family lives may not prove to be as easy as it
with a variety of people including
that you comparison shop by looking at seems. It’s important to work in a
customers, vendors, staff,
bankers, lawyers, accountants and multiple franchise opportunities before professional environment. One
consultants. Can you deal with a deciding on the one that's right for you. suggestion is to set up a separate office in
Some of the things you should look at your home to create this professional
environment.
demanding client, an unreliable
when evaluating a franchise: profitability,
effective financial management and other
vendor or a cranky staff person?
controls, a good image, integrity and Ask yourself:
• Can I switch from home responsibilities to
commitment, and a successful industry.
3. How good are you at making
business work?
decisions? In the simplest form of franchising, while • Do I have the self-discipline to maintain
Small business owners are you own the business, its operation is schedules?
governed by the terms of the franchise • Can I deal with the isolation of working
agreement. For many, this is the chief benefit
required to make decisions
from home?
for franchising.You are able to capitalize on a • Am I a self-starter?
constantly, often quickly, under
business format, trade name, trademark
pressure.
and/or support system provided by the Finding Your Niche
4. Do you have the physical and franchisor. But you operate as an Choosing a home business must be
emotional stamina to run a independent contractor with the ability to approached carefully.
make a profit or sustain a loss commensurate Ask yourself:
with your ownership.
business?
• Does my home have the space for a
If you are concerned about the risk business?
Business ownership can be
involved in a new, independent business • Can I identify and describe the business I
challenging, fun and exciting. But
it’s also a lot of hard work. Can venture, then franchising may be the best want to establish?
business option for you. Remember that hard • Can I identify my business product or
service?
you face 12-hour workdays six or
work, dedication and sacrifice are key • Is there a demand for that product or
elements in the success of any business
seven days a week?
service?
venture, including franchising. • Can I successfully run the business from
For more information visit the SBA Web home?
5. How well do you plan and
organize? site at:
Research indicates many http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/st
business failures could have art/ and click on “Buy a Franchise” from the
been avoided through better menu on the right side; or visit the Franchise
planning. Good organization – of Registry at www.franchiseregistry.com/ or call
financials, inventory, schedules,
your local SBA office. For ALL Your Franchising
production – can help avoid Needs
pitfalls. Go To:
www.franmarket.com/sba
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 9

10. Legal Requirements nationwide network of 114 community- financing to small businesses when an owner
A home-based business is subject to many based centers that provide business training, or essential employee is called to active duty.
of the same laws and regulations affecting counseling, mentoring and other assistance The Military Reservist Economic Injury
other businesses. geared to women, particularly those who are Disaster Loan Program provides loans to
socially and economically disadvantaged. To eligible small businesses to cover operating
Some general areas include: meet the needs of women entrepreneurs,the costs that cannot be met due to the loss of
• Zoning regulations. If your business operates an essential employee called to active duty in
in violation of them, you could be fined or
WBCs offer their services at convenient
times and locations. Some offer child care the reserves or National Guard. Small
shut down.
• Product restrictions. Certain products during training and many provide assistance businesses may apply for MREIDLs of up to
cannot be produced in the home. Most and materials in different languages, $1.5 million if they have been financially
states outlaw home production of depending on the needs of the individual impacted by the loss of an essential
fireworks, drugs, poisons, explosives, communities they serve. Classes are either employee.The SBA has created a specialWeb
sanitary or medical products and toys. free or offered at a small fee, and scholarships page specifically for Reserve and Guard
Some states also prohibit home-based
are often available to those who need them. members at: http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/
businesses from making food, drink or
clothing. A number ofWBCs also provide courses and
To ensure that veterans, service-disabled
sbaprograms/reservists/index.html.
Be sure to consult an attorney and your counseling via the Internet, mobile
veterans and Reserve and National Guard
local, city and state departments of labor to classrooms and satellite locations.
member entrepreneurs receive special
find out which laws and regulations will affect Both SBA district offices and women’s
consideration in all its entrepreneurial
your business. Additionally, check on business centers offer mentoring
programs and resources, the SBA has
registration and accounting requirements roundtables. If there is not an existing established a fully staffed Office of Veterans
needed to open your home-based business. roundtable nearby, women’s business centers Business Development. OVBD develops and
You may need a work certificate or license may be able to help women entrepreneurs distributes various informational materials
from the state. Your business name may need set them up. for entrepreneurship such as the Veterans
to be registered with the state. A separate To find the nearest women’s business Business Resource Guide, VETGazette,
business telephone and bank account are ownership representative or women’s Getting Veterans Back to Work, and various
good business practices. business center,and to learn more about SBA other materials. Veterans may access these
Also remember, if you have employees you programs and services, visit the Office of resources and other assistance from OVBD
are responsible for withholding income and Women’s Business Ownership at by visiting the Web site at:
social-security taxes, and for complying with www.sba.gov/women.
For more information or special assistance
www.sba.gov/VETS/.
minimum wage and employee health and
safety laws. VETERANS BUSINESS with government contracting, including
If you’re convinced that working from programs for veterans and service-disabled
home is for you, it’s time to create your veterans, please check the Contracting
DEVELOPMENT
The SBA offers a variety of services to Opportunities section of this publication, and
business plan. The SBA and its resource American veterans who have made or are
partners, such as SCORE, SBDCs and WBCs the Web site above.
seeking to make the transition from service SBA’s Patriot Express Initiative has new
can help make the process easier. member to small business owner. Each of and enhanced programs and services for
SBA's 68 district offices throughout the veterans and members of the military
REACHING UNDERSERVED country has designated a Veterans Business community wanting to establish or expand
Development Officer to help veterans small businesses. See the Financing section
prepare, plan and succeed in
AUDIENCES
Women Business Owners for more information on Patriot Express.
entrepreneurship. The Veterans Business
Women entrepreneurs are changing the Outreach Center Program provides online
face of America's economy. In the 1970’s, and face-to-face entrepreneurial NATIVE AMERICAN
women owned less than five percent of the development services such as business
nation’s businesses. Today, they are at least
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
training, counseling and mentoring to eligible The SBA is also working to ensure that
equal owners of nearly half the nation’s veterans owning or considering starting a entrepreneurship opportunities are available
businesses and are majority owners of about small business. SBDCs and SCORE also for American Indians, Native Alaskans and
a third of all small businesses. SBA serves provide targeted management assistance to Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop
women entrepreneurs nationwide through veterans who are current or prospective and expand small businesses. These groups
its various programs and service, some of small business owners. SCORE also provides have full access to the necessary business
which are designed especially for women. resources and counseling services online at: development and expansion tools available
Many of these are overseen by SBA’s Office
through the agency’s entrepreneurial
of Women’s Business Ownership. The SBA offers special assistance for
www.score.org.
development, lending and procurement
Women’s business ownership activated Reserve and National Guard programs. More information is at:
representatives in every SBA district office members and the small businesses they work
coordinate services for women, helping them in or own. Any self-employed Reserve or
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/
access appropriate training, counseling, Guard member with an existing SBA loan can
naa/index.html
mentoring, federal contracting opportunities, request from their SBA lender or SBA
financing, and more. They can also provide district office, loan payment deferrals, interest WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN
information on other local resources, rate reductions and other relief after they After you’ve thought about your business,
including SBA resource partners and lenders. receive their activation orders. the next step is to develop a business plan.
The SBA’s Women Business Centers are a The SBA offers special low-interest-rate The business plan is a formal document
10 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

11. explaining in some detail your plans to Most SCORE volunteers are retired
develop a financially successful business. It’s business owners or managers, though some
vitally important for two reasons:
WEBSITE members are still actively employed.
• Preparing a business plan forces you to Business plan help Volunteers work in or near their home
think through every aspect of your communities to provide management
business. If you need outside money, your counseling and training to first-time
business plan will be one of the first things entrepreneurs and current small business
The nearest SCORE chapter can be
the lender or investor wants to see.
owners.They meet with clients at a SCORE
located at: www.score.org.
• A business plan serves as an assessment
chapter office, an SBA office or at the client's
For business plan help at the SCORE Web
tool for you.
place of business.
site, click on “Business Tools” from the left-
A comprehensive business plan is not
Every effort is made to match a client's
hand menu, then click on “Template Gallery.”
done on the spur of the moment. It can be a
needs with a counselor who is experienced
long process, and you need good advice.The
in a comparable line of business.All individual
You can find the nearest VBOC at:
SBA and its resource partners, including
and team counseling is free; there may be a
www.sba.gov/vets.
Small Business Development Centers located
nominal fee for workshops and seminars.
on many college campuses,Veterans Business Through in-depth counseling and training,
To find WBCs, click on: www.sba.gov/services/
Outreach Centers, SCORE, Counselors to SCORE volunteers help prospective and
and choose “Women’s Business Centers” from
America’s Small Business, and Women’s established small business owners and
the “Counseling and Assistance” heading at
Business Centers, have the expertise to help managers identify problems, determine the
the bottom.
you craft a winning business plan. causes and find solutions.
You can find the nearest SBDC at: Any small business can obtain help from
You can also find business-plan help on the
SCORE. Whether you are considering
SBA’s Web site at:
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/
starting your own business, have a business
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/
sbdc/index.html.
that is experiencing problems, are ready to
then choose “Writing a Business Plan” from the
expand, or need some other type of advice,
“Plan Your Business” menu along the bottom.)
IN GENERAL, HERE’S WHAT
• Discuss insurance, lease or rent SCORE can help.The approach is confidential
agreements, and issues pertinent to your and personal.You don't need to be applying
A GOOD BUSINESS PLAN
CONTAINS: business. for or have an SBA loan to participate in the
• Account for the equipment necessary to program. In fact, an idea is all that is
Introduction produce your goods or services. necessary; consultation and counseling
• Give a detailed description of the business • Account for production and delivery of
and its goals. before a business start-up is an important
products and services.
• Discuss ownership of the business and its part of SCORE's service.
legal structure.
Concluding Statement
Dallas SCORE Chapter 22
• List the skills and experience you bring to
Summarize your business goals and
Meadows Bldg.
the business.
objectives and express your commitment to
5646 Milton St., Ste. 303
• Discuss the advantages you and your
the success of your business. Once you have
Dallas, TX 75206
business have over competitors. 214-987-9491
completed your business plan, review it with
Marketing a friend or business associate or SCORE
Dallas Satellite Locations:
• Discuss the products and services your counselor or Small Business Development
company will offer. Center representative.
Allen Chamber of Commerce
• Identify customer demand for your
Remember, the business plan is a flexible
210 W. McDermott Dr.
products and services.
Allen, TX 75013
• Identify your market, its size and locations. document that should change as your 972-727-5585
• Explain how your products and services business grows.
will be advertised and marketed.
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
• Explain your pricing strategy.
1204 Metrocrest Dr.
SCORE Carrollton, TX 75006
Financial Management SCORE is a 10,500-member volunteer
972-416-6600
• Develop an expected return on investment nonprofit association which operates under a
cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small
South Branch Library
and monthly cash flow for the first year.
• Provide projected income statements, and Business Administration. SCORE, with more
3228 Teasley Ln.
balance sheets for a two-year period. than 40 years experience helping small
Denton, TX 76210
• Discuss your break-even point. businesses succeed, matches volunteer
940-349-8252
• Explain your personal balance sheet and business-management counselors with Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce
method of compensation. clients in need of expert advice. SCORE has 12875 Josey Ln., Ste. 150
• Discuss who will maintain your accounting experts in virtually every area of business
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
records and how they will be kept.
management and maintains a national skills
972-243-8966
• Provide “what if” statements addressing
alternative approaches to problems that roster to help identify the best counselor for
a particular client. Volunteer counselors,
Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce
may develop.
whose collective experience spans the full
700 Parker Sq., Ste. 100
Operations range of American enterprise, share their
Flower Mound, TX 75028
972-539-0500
• Explain how the business will be managed management and technical expertise with
day-to-day. both current and prospective small business
• Discuss hiring and personnel procedures. owners.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 11

12. Soaring Like Eagles – It’s the Entrepreneurial Spirit!
Frisco Chamber of Commerce
6843 Main St.
Fort Worth Business Assistance Center offers assistance for small businesses
Frisco, TX 75034
972-335-9522
Being an entrepreneur is about more than include the popular limited liability
Garland – Inwood National Bank
just starting a business, it’s about having the company, a partnership, or an S
1200 Main St.
drive to succeed as well as knowing going it corporation.
Garland, TX 75040
alone isn’t always the best way. • Additional workshops offered throughout 972-272-7551
The shear excitement of starting a new the year include a newly re-designed
business can cause small business series of financial workshops, how to Greater Irving-Las Colinas
entrepreneurs to be too hasty. It’s that inner write a solid business plan that works and Chamber of Commerce
drive and enthusiasm that can often lead a a free legal forum workshop that offers 5221 N. O’Connor Blvd., Ste. 100
small business owners an opportunity to
fledgling business owner to believe that the
Irving, TX 75039
ask questions of an attorney among
business must be started now or it won’t
214-217-8484
others.
succeed. Cutting of corners and following that Another hallmark service provided to small
enthusiastic drive rather than seeking the
Lewisville Chamber of Commerce
business owners is one-on-one business
advice of experts that can send even the best
551 N. Valley Pkwy.
counseling. The BAC has found that offering
business idea down the drain. Research and
Lewisville, TX 75067
counseling to small business owners has
guidance, whether into potential markets, the
972-436-9571
helped improve the performance of small
activities of competitors, the structure of a businesses by helping to develop better
business, financial projections or venues of
McKinney Chamber of Commerce
management practices, lead to greater profits
marketing, is essential when completing a
1650 W. Virginia St., Ste. 110
as a result of better planning for existing
realistic and comprehensive business plan.
McKinney, TX 75069
businesses, and does increase the success rate
The Fort Worth Business Assistance
972-542-0163
for start-up businesses. Counseling is FREE to
Center’s (BAC) sole mission is to offer an those who take the WBC’s Step 1 – Starting a
array of ongoing educational opportunities for
Plano - Collin SBDC
Business workshop. Counselors at the BAC
those who want to start, buy or expand a
4800 Preston Park Blvd., Ste. A-126
are former bankers, accountants or business
small business venture. The Center is a
Plano, TX 75093
owners who work with small business owners
program of the City of Fort Worth’s Housing
972-985-3770
to provide personalized and confidential
and Economic Development Department and counseling. Counseling is provided on such
Plano Chamber of Commerce
its services are available to all business owners. important topics as business plan
In 2007-08, the BAC saw more than 6,000
1200 E. 15th St.
development, certification, financial analysis,
clients walk through the door taking advantage
Plano, TX 75074
strategic planning, how to prepare for a loan,
of the available services. Located just south of
972-424-7547
contracts and bids, buying and selling a
downtown Fort Worth in the James E. Guinn Business and cash flow analysis. With all the
Richardson Chamber of Commerce
complex at I-35W at Rosedale, the BAC is a future has to offer, it’s a comfort to know that
411 Belle Grove
one-stop shop comprised of a dozen service organizations like the Fort Worth Business
Richardson, TX 75080
providers, each offering an array of specialized Assistance Center are still growing strong to
972-792-2800
services. Together these service providers ensure all entrepreneurs, including women-
offer ongoing educational training through and minority-owned businesses, continue to
East Texas SCORE Chapter 280
workshops and specialty seminars, business have the opportunities available to them to
1530 S. SW Loop 323, Ste. 100
counseling, loan opportunities, as well as grow their businesses the right way.
Tyler, TX 75701
networking events such as the annual To see a complete list of services offered by
903-510-2975
Lockheed Martin/Chase Entrepreneur Expo the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center
which is held annually in the early spring at the visit www.fwbac.com
Fort Worth SCORE Chapter 120
Fort Worth Convention Center. A James E. Guinn School Complex
cornerstone of business training at the BAC is
Partners of the Fort Worth Business
1150 S. Frwy., Ste. 108 I-35 @ Rosedale
provided through the Step 1 – Starting a
Assistance Center
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Business workshop, which is free and is offered
817-871-6002
five times each month. It’s the absolute perfect
starting point for any future small business Alliance Lending Corporation – Fort Worth Satellite Locations:
owner. A few of the more important topics www.alliancecdc.com
covered in the workshop include: Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Arlington – Center for Entrepreneurial
• The Business Plan: For the majority of Commerce www.fwmbcc.org
Development
start-ups, a business plan allows you to Fort Worth Business Assistance Center
202 E. Border St.
gain a better understanding of your www.fwbac.com
Arlington, TX 76010
industry structure, competitive landscape, Manufacturers Association of North Texas
817-871-6002
and the capital requirements of starting a www.mant.us
small business…
SCORE www.scorefortworth.com
Euless Library
• What's in a business name? Everything
Small Contractor’s Development Program
201 Ector Dr.
and nothing.The right business name will
www.scdp.com
Euless, TX 76039
help distinguish you from a sea of bland
Southeast Fort Worth, Inc.TCC-Small
817-685-1489
competitors, provide your customers
with a reason to hire you, and aid in the Business Development Center www.tccd.edu Johnson County/Joshua Public Library
branding of your company… TEC Fort Worth www.techfortworth.com 907 S. Broadway
• Find the best ownership structure for Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center Joshua, TX 76058
your small business.The most basic of all www.tmac.org
business legal structures is the sole
817-871-6002
William Mann Jr. Community Development
proprietorship. Other possible structures Corporation www.wmcdc.com
12 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

13. to meet their requests for help by offering e- SBDCs provide services such as
mail counseling, maps to local SCORE development of business plans, manufacturing
Mansfield Chamber of Commerce
chapters, hotlinks to other business assistance, financial packaging assistance,
116 N. Main St.
Mansfield, TX 76063
817-473-0507
resources on the Internet and more at the contracting assistance and international trade
click of a mouse. E-mail counseling is assistance. Special emphasis areas include e-
provided by the Cyber-chapter, which now commerce, technology transfer, IRS, EPA and
North Richland Hills Public Library
includes more than 1,200 online members. OSHA regulatory compliance, research and
9015 Grand Ave., Rm. 232
You can choose from almost 800 unique skills development, Defense Economic Transition
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
to find the cybercounselor who best suits Assistance, disaster recovery assistance and
817-427-6814
Southlake Chamber of Commerce your individual needs, including special market research. Based on client needs,
counseling for veterans, service-disabled SBDCs tailor their services to meet the
1501 Corporate Cir., Ste. 100
veterans and Reserve component members. evolving needs of the local small business
Southlake, TX 76092
Log on to SCORE's Internet site at community.
817-481-8200
Waco SCORE Chapter 321 www.score.org to take advantage of the many SBDCs deliver management and technical
Texas Workforce Center services SCORE has to offer your business. assistance to prospective and existing small
1416 S. New Rd. businesses using an effective business
education network of 63 lead centers and
Waco, TX 76711
more than 1,000 service-center locations
254-296-5214 SMALL BUSINESS
SCORE's Presence on the
DEVELOPMENT CENTERS contracted to manage a broad-based SBDC
As the SBA’s largest non-finance program, program. SBDCs are located throughout the
Internet Small Business Development Centers meet
SCORE can also be found on the Internet U.S., District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico,
the needs of small businesses and promote American Samoa and the U.S.Virgin Islands.
at www.score.org. SCORE's presence on the
economic development in local communities There are specialized programs for small
Internet makes it possible to reach more
by helping to create and retain jobs. Partially businesses owned by individuals who are
small business clients than ever with online
funded by a cooperative agreement with SBA, socially and economically disadvantaged,
mentoring and counseling services.
SBDCs meet the counseling and training women, veterans, Reservists, people with
Business owners are now turning to the
needs of more than 650,000 start-ups or disabilities and persons in low- and moderate-
technology of the Web to fulfill their needs
existing business clients annually. income urban and rural areas.
for information and advice. SCORE is primed
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 13

14. For more information, visit the Web site at: Fort Worth, Texas Wichita Falls, Texas
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/ Tarrant County College SBDC *Midwestern State University Dillard
index.html. James E. Guinn School Complex College of Business
Abilene, Texas 1150 S. Frwy., I-35 @ Rosedale, Ste. 229 Administration Bldg.
*Texas Tech University SBDC Fort Worth, TX 76104 3410 Taft Blvd.
500 Chestnut, Ste. 601 817-871-6028 Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Abilene, TX 79602 940-397-4373
325-670-0300 Gainesville, Texas
North Central Texas SBDC **Center for Government Contracting
Athens, Texas 1525 W. California SBDC
Trinity Valley SBDC Gainesville, TX 76240 1402 Corinth St.
100 Cardinal Dr. 940-668-4220 Dallas, TX 75215
Athens, TX 75751 214-860-5889
903-675-7403 Longview, Texas
Kilgore College SBDC **Risk Management SBDC
Bonham, Texas 911 N.W. Loop 281, Ste. 209 1402 Corinth St.
Fannin SBDC - Satellite Longview, TX 75604 Dallas, TX 75215
Grayson SBDC 903-757-5857 or 800-338-7232 214-860-5821
The Rayburn Collegiate Center
1909 N. Hwy. 121 Naples, Texas **International SBDC
Bonham, TX 75418 Northeast SBDC – Satellite 1950 Stemmons Frwy., Ste. 5067
903-463-8787 Texas A&M Texarkana SBDC Dallas, TX 75207
301 Craig St. 214-747-1300 or 800-337-7232
Bowie, Texas Naples, TX 75568
Bowie SBDC - Satellite Mailing address: P.O. Box 1307 **SBDC for Enterprise Excellence
North Central Texas SBDC Mt. Pleasant, TX 75456 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S.
810 S. Mill St. 903-897-2956 Fort Worth, TX 76118
Bowie, TX 76230 817-272-5930
940-668-4220 Paris, Texas
Paris SBDC **Technology Assistance Center SBDC
Cedar Hill, Texas 2400 Clarksville St. 1402 Corinth St.
Best Southwest SBDC Paris, TX 75460 Dallas, TX 75215
207 N. Cannady Dr. 903-782-0224 214-860-5709
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
972-860-7894 Plano, Texas North Texas SBDC Region Headquarters
Collin SBDC 1402 Corinth St.
Corinth, Texas 4800 Preston Park Blvd., Ste. A126 Dallas, TX 75215
Corinth SBDC - Satellite Plano, TX 75093 214-860-5831 or 800-350-7232
North Central Texas SBDC 972-985-3770
1404 N. Corinth, Ste. 307 *Northwest Texas SBDC Region, Lubbock, TX
Corinth, TX 76208 Texarkana, Texas **SBDC Specialty Centers
940-498-6276 Texas A&M Texarkana SBDC
2600 N. Robison Rd.
Corsicana, Texas Texarkana, TX 75501 U.S. EXPORT ASSISTANCE
Navarro SBDC 903-223-1370
CENTER (USEAC)
U.S. Export Assistance Centers, which
3200 W. 7th Ave.
consist of SBA staff and the U.S. Department
Corsicana, TX 75110 Stephenville, Texas
*Tarleton State University/College of
of Commerce in a single location, provide
903-875-7667
Business Administration
trade promotion and export-finance
Dallas, Texas P.O. Box T-0650
assistance for small businesses. The USEACs
Dallas SBDC Stephenville, TX 76402
also work closely with other federal, state and
1402 Corinth St. 254-968-9330
local international trade organizations.To find
Dallas, TX 75215
the USEAC nearest to you, go to:
214-860-5865 Tyler, Texas
Tyler SBDC
Denison, Texas 1530 S. SW Loop 323, Ste. 100 http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/
Grayson SBDC Tyler, TX 75701
903-510-2975
internationaltrade/useac/index.html.
6101 Grayson Dr. North Texas Export Assistance Center
Denison, TX 75020 1450 Hughes Rd., Ste. 220
903-463-8787 or 800-316-7232 Waco, Texas
Grapevine, TX 76051
McLennan SBDC
817-310-3749
Denton, Texas 1400 College Dr.
Rick Schulze
Denton SBDC - Satellite Waco, TX 76708
North Central Texas SBDC 254-299-8141 or 800-349-7232
414 Parkway
Denton, TX 76201 Waxahachie, Texas
940-380-1849 Ellis County SBDC - Satellite
Navarro SBDC
1900 John Arden Dr.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
972-937-2174
14 — Small Business Resource DALLAS/FORT WORTH Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx

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Visit us online: www.sba.gov/tx DALLAS/FORT WORTH Small Business Resource — 15