Assistance to Small Businesses
MDA's Industry Assistance Bureau provides financial, marketing, management and technical assistance to new and existing small businesses. Services are offered at no charge to individuals interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing firm.
The following programs are typical services provided by the Industry Assistance Bureau to businesses in Mississippi:
GENERAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
- Assist in developing business plans
- Provide general start-up information
- Provide information on licenses and permits
- Counsel on business strategies
- Analyze management strengths and weaknesses
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
- Recommend sources of loans and financial assistance
- Assist with loan applications
- Analyze financial statements
- Assist with financial projections
- Counsel on cash flow and working capital
MARKETING
- Assist in identifying new markets
- Identify potential customers
- Assist in developing marketing plans
- Advise on marketing strategies
- Counsel on forecasting sales
- Provide input on new product ideas
RETAIL ASSISTANCE
- Assist retailers with store-specific issues including:
- Planning
- Store Layout and Design
- Operations
- Staffing and Scheduling
- Marketing
- Counsel retailers on buying procedures, pricing, receivables/payables, management
SEMINARS
Teach seminars on topics such as:
"How to Start Your Own Small Business"
"Marketing Your Small Business"
"How to Design a Retail Store"
"How to Prepare for Trade Shows"
"Servicing Your Customers"
Other resource materials are also available in Business Resources and Data and in MDA Library and Resources.
For assistance with your small business call Industry Assistance's Small Business Specialists at 601.359.3593 or go to eibus@mississippi.org.
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