Helping businesses get off the ground

For those willing to take a risk on a new business in today's troubled economy, there are resources available in Culpeper that offer advice and aid.

The Lord Fairfax Small Business Development Center in Warrenton offers consultations to entrepreneurs and small business owners free of charge, as well as workshops and seminars for a small fee. Funded by the Small Business Association and local jurisdictions, the Lord Fairfax SBDC is one of 30 centers across the commonwealth.

David Reardon and Ruth Cope are business counselors with the Warrenton branch, though Cope holds office hours every Tuesday in Culpeper at the Daniel Technology Center.

"I find this rewarding in being an educator with the small business community," Reardon said, who ran his own insurance business and has a background in accounting.

Cope once owned a small manufacturers representative business and has a background in teaching and accounting.

"We don't consider ourselves experts in any particular field," Cope said, "but we are an excellent business resource in the community."

Cope and Reardon also bring in outside experts and consultants if the clients need more help than they can provide, and they can direct clients to additional resources. In their five-week series on starting a new business in Culpeper, two seminars will feature a local accountant and attorney.

More than half of the SBDC's clients are entrepreneurs who want to start a business but are unsure of the process, Cope said. Often bankers will refer entrepreneurs seeking loans to the SBDC because they lack a business plan.

"(Banks) like to see preparation and someone who is organized," she said. "Takes a little bit of the risk out of it for the banker."

In addition to those wanting to start a business, many clients seek consultations for tips on expanding their businesses and ways to increase funding. The SBDC can help clients organize their finances and help with a cash flow projection to prepare for a loan.

Other clients need to reevaluate their marketing plan and think about their target market, or are seeking help after a change in the market.

Pat Baisden, vice president of operations for Culpeper's chamber of commerce, commended the SBDC for its resources available to small businesses.

"We rely tremendously on the offerings they have for our small businesses," Baisden said. "They have a wealth of information for business counseling."

The SBDC provides a business startup packet for entrepreneurs that is available through the chamber. Membership in the Culpeper chamber also provides countless benefits to new businesses, such as marketing opportunities, professional development and a legislative voice.

"We're always trying to help promote and support businesses and make this a good climate to do business," Baisden said.

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .

Need advice-

Lord Fairfax SBDC is located in Lord Fairfax Community College's library and open Monday through Friday, but consultant Ruth Cope has office hours at Germanna's Daniel Technology Center every Tuesday. Call the Lord Fairfax office at 351-1595 or Cope's Culpeper office at 937-2919.

Starting April 29, the SBDC will offer a series of five seminars every Tuesday night at the Daniel Technology Center
from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Each seminar is $30 and you can attend one or all five.

For the May 6 and 13 seminars, the SBDC will have an attorney and accountant from Culpeper to speak.

To register, call Ruth at the Culpeper office or e-mail .

Seminar schedule:

April 29: Considerations for starting a small business

May 6: Legal taxes and licensing issues, part 1

May 13: Legal taxes and licensing issues, part 2

May 20: Writing a business plan

May 27: Financials for the business plan