Services

Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs offers programs that add value to young businesses, accelerate their growth, and increase the odds of their success – that’s business incubation. Our services are tailored to the individual needs of each client, but may include any combination of the following options:

Education

BCE provides a variety of education and training opportunities including seminars and one-on-one training on topics such as...

  • Getting started - business basics
  • Creating a winning business plan
  • State and federal regulatory compliance
  • Understanding financial statements
  • Protecting intellectual property
  • Marketing basics
  • Goal-setting for success
  • Human resource issues
  • Benefit options for small businesses
  • Accounting and financial management
  • E-commerce options
  • International trade opportunities
  • Crafting effective marketing communications
  • Business year end tax planning and record keeping

Seminars and one-on-one sessions are taught by seasoned lawyers, accountants, insurance experts, and other successful business executives with demonstrated expertise in a particular field.

Coaching

Consists of one-on-one meetings (at least monthly) with the Executive Director and/or volunteer professional service providers which may include any or all of the following elements:

  • Goal setting
  • Accountability coaching
  • Brainstorming
  • Playing devil's advocate
  • Ethics counseling
  • Cheerleading/morale boosting
  • Problem-solving of specific issues facing the client's business

Coaching/mentoring is a personal training session meant to maximize the individual client's business performance. Issues may be introduced by the client or coach as appropriate; and, of course, the issues and discussions addressed in these sessions are kept in the strictest confidence.

Networking

Includes a variety of networking and marketing opportunities such as:

  • Networking with other entrepreneurs
  • Access to a number of chambers of commerce activities
  • Access to various service clubs such as local Rotary or Kiwanis organizations
  • Networking to other business support services that may provide more specific assistance in areas such as website development, student interns, grant writing, intellectual properties protection, and even prototype development or technology commercialization assistance
  • Marketing through joint media releases
  • Website links
  • Publicity events

Financing

BCE does not directly loan or invest money with client businesses. Rather, we provide:

  • Extensive training and assistance with business plan development
  • Information about various loan options available through a number of sources including SBA, USDA, local economic development agencies, etc.
  • Introductions to bankers and other lenders (once the client is properly prepared)
  • Access to our "Angel" investor group
  • Introduction to venture capital groups

Facilities and Shared Services

BCE can provide its clients the following facilities at very attractive rates:

  • Offices and office suites which include furnishings, computer, phone, voice mail, fax, copier, color printing, and wireless high-speed internet access
  • Conference rooms
  • Common areas
  • Production space
  • Warehouse space
  • Distribution facilities

Additional Information

See Support Organizations that work with the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs