Q.   I’m thinking of upgrading my building.  Is there anywhere I can go for help with financing this?  A small business loan?
A.   I would suggest that she or he first get their financial records updated and then go see their own banker or Bill Auxter for further direction.
 

Q.   Does Ehove offer customized and on-site training for my business? 
A.   Yes.  Ehove offers on-site and customized training in a variety of areas.  Some of the more popular training requests include:

• On-site forklift training and certification
• Computer skills training
• OSHA general industry and construction
• Management training

Please visit www.ehove.net/adulted for more information

Q.   My business is required to have an OSHA two hour construction industry refresher each year.  Where do I send my employees for training? 
A.   Ehove Career Center offers the OSHA ten hour Construction Industry Certification and two hour refresher several times per year.  Please visit www.ehove.net/adulted for the most recent training schedule.

Q.  What does the bank need if I want a loan to start a business?
A.    They would like

• A business plan
• Personal Financial Statement
• Tax returns – three years
• Type of Business ( Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc )
• Your Experience

Q.   I don’t know how to do a business plan.  What is it and can you help me?
A.   There are agencies that will be able to help you put together a business plan.  We can recommend the following:

• Score
• Small Business Development Center 
  

Q.   What services does BGSU Firelands offer that will help me and my business?
A.   The regional campus of Firelands offers a variety of credit and non-credit classes and programs in the business area.  These include workforce training through its Office of Educational Outreach and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in partnership with the College of Business Administration as well as a number of Associate Degrees in related business fields.  For more information please see www.Firelands.BGSU.edu.

Q.  What is Score? 
A.   Services Corp of Retired Executives - Volunteer business people who will counsel Small Business and Start-up Business free of charge.  Please call 419-668-4867 Ext. 3446 for appointment.

Q.   Can I have more than one session?
A.   You can have as many as necessary.

Q.   Where do I have to go?
A.    Usually they will be held at the office in Norwalk but we can make arrangements for any other place.

Q.  What accounting program should I use to track my business transactions?
A.   The two most widely used programs are Quickbooks and Peachtree.  Each of them is designed to track your transactions as well as assist you with billing and accounts payable.

 

Q.   Should I seek the services of a CPA?
A.   Many times a CPA can assist you with various items to help you get the most out of your business.  Things such as entity choice, retirement plans, business plans and financing options are some examples of areas in which a CPA can assist you in your business planning.

Q.   What is required to start a business?
A.   Depending on the type of business and ownership structure you are considering, there may be state and local requirements.  To learn about specific requirements that will apply to your business, visit the website of the Ohio Department of Development ( www.odod.state.oh.us ) and contact your county, township, and municipality for guidance.

Q.   Do I need a business plan?
A.   There are three possible answers :

• Yes – A business plan will help you organize your thinking about your goals, products, services, and potential customers.
• Yes -  A business plan will help you communicate to others ( bankers, lawyers, accountants, advisors ) that may be able to provide resources you can use
• Yes -   The single, largest reason for business failure is ... Lack of a Business Plan

Q.   Where can I get tax forms?
A.   The Huron Public Library has basic forms and instructions available as well as a selection of forms and instructions that may be photocopied.  Forms and instructions are also available on the IRS website – www.irs.gov.

Q.   Where can I find the city building ordinances?
A.   The city building ordinances are available at the Adult Services Desk in the Huron Public Library and at the Building Inspector’s office at 1820 Bogart Rd.

Q.   I’d like to start a small business.  Where do I start?
A.  The best place to start is with the Business Basics Seminar offerred by the Kern Center @ Terra Community College www.terra.edu/learning/kerndirectory/sbdc.asp .  Click on the 2008 schedule of classes or contact Bill Auxter @ (419) 559-2210 Ext 210 or bauxter@terra.edu for further information.  The Huron Public Library has a collection of books on small business.  Check the resources section of www.eriebrn.com for online information.