Thinking of starting a business? The Virgin Islands SBDC Network can help. We provide startup and planning training services, tools, and resources to help evaluate your business idea, help you make sound business decisions, and pursue your dream of business ownership.
It’s important to note that the Virgin Islands SBDC Network does not provide grants or loans. However, we can provide information and technical assistance on how to access capital. All at no cost to you.
Our advisors can help you as you prepare to launch your business, but there are steps you must take to prepare for your meeting.
Step 1: An Introduction to Starting Your Own Business
Thinking about starting your own business? As any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, starting a new business is not always easy. From testing the market to accessing capital, there are many roadblocks you may encounter along the way. The Virgin Islands SBDC, in partnership with the SBA, provides a free collection of online courses designed to provide you with a fundamental overview of what it takes to start a business.
- Click this link and complete the basic 30 minute course.
Step 2: Develop your Business Idea
The next step is to develop your business idea by completing a concept plan. A concept plan gives us a short summary of your business idea. Your concept plan should describe the idea, the market, as well as key actions and activities of the business. The concept plan will help our advisors understand the basics of your business to better assist you. For more information about the concept plan, download our helpful Concept Plan Guide and Template.
Step 3: Complete the online Request for Advising
After you have completed Steps 1 and 2, it’s time to complete an electronic Request for Advising (eRFA) by signing up at eCenter our client web portal. This form will start your relationship with the Virgin Islands SBDC Network where you will find the most up-to-date resources for your business information needs. Once the form is submitted, you will be contacted by the Virgin Islands SBDC that serves your area to set up an advising session.