 Chris Crum writes for Small Business Resources about what's new for small business. Chris was a featured writer with the iEntry Network of B2B Publications where hundreds of publications linked to his articles including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, LA Times and the New York Times.
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America’s Small Business Development Center Creates ‘Launchpad America’ Initiative
Image via Launchpad America Even as businesses across the nation have reopened after enduring pandemic-related shut-downs and reductions in operations, many continue to face numerous challenges — from hiring issues to competing with web-based competitors. Would-be entrepreneurs are also hesitant to start new businesses after seeing what happened as a result of COVID-19. Some industry power players have banded together to help ease the path to entrepreneurship and business growth. America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a consortium comprised of MasterCard, Intuit, GoSmallBiz.com, Lendio, Roll by ADP, Thryv, and YouMail, recently launched a new initiative called Launchpad America, which aims to provide entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources. The consortium is particularly interested in promoting post-pandemic entrepreneurship. America’s SBDC provides services for free business consulting, accessing capital, business planning, international trade, training, technology development, regulatory compliance, and marketing. The consortium’s website enables businesses to find their regional small business development center by zip code or state. America’s SBDC president Charles "Tee" Rowe commented, "Many of the people who were affected by the pandemic decided to launch their own businesses. We understand the challenges that startups face, and we have been in the industry long enough to know the areas new small business owners need help, both in the short as well as long-term. As a group, our goal is to support and guide startups in every way possible to improve their chances of success.” America’s SBDC cites U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) stats, noting that 20 percent of startups don’t make it through their first year, and 50 percent don’t make it through five years. Their partner companies hope to improve the odds for businesses facing the impact of the pandemic. 
Image via Launchpad America Thryv CEO and President Joe Walsh said, “As a leading small business provider who helped our customers throughout the pandemic, we recognize that small businesses are the lifeblood of a strong economy, and the economic recovery is dependent on the success of these organizations. We are proud to spearhead this powerful group of small business providers to create a go-to resource that fuels the dreams of entrepreneurs in the U.S.” Additionally, businesses will have access to products and resources for the following categories: legal, finance, credit, client management, communications, payroll, human resources, accounting, cybersecurity, websites, and domains. The coalition claims small business development centers help their people create a new business every 26 minutes, a new job every 5.7 minutes, $100,000 in financing every 8.8 minutes, and $100,000 in new sales every 7.2 minutes. 1 Businesses can register for the guide and starter kit at the consortium’s website by filling out a brief form. America’s SBDC is on social media and can be followed for relevant updates. 1 https://americassbdc.org/about-us/economic-impact/ Read other business articles |