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Programs that provide information, technical assistance, training, contract acquisition assistance and other types of services that support the start-up, competitiveness and growth of local businesses.

Programs that provide specialized consultations for businesses in key areas such as start-up, finance, management, marketing, tourism and technical assessment to enhance overall effectiveness and growth. Services may include review of business plans, financial statements, and projections together with financial analysis and advice, as required; or information in response to straightforward questions. Organizing community groups to undertake projects, and arranging funding partners for these projects may also be key components. Included are face-to-face consultations which may involve multiple in-depth sessions and consultations via the telephone during which specific business-related questions are answered.

Programs that provide an opportunity for people who want to start a new business to participate in a dynamic process of business enterprise development. Business incubators provide shared office services, access to equipment, flexible leases and expandable space, all at a single facility; and focus on supporting new businesses during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. Other services include hands-on management assistance, access to financing, and orchestrated exposure to critical business and technical support services.

Programs that provide training that is conducted at the request of an employer and tailored to meet the growth and expansion needs of a particular business. Customized training may be conducted by training agencies, community colleges or vocational schools; seeks to upgrade the skills of an existing labor force or group of new hires; and may address topics such as supervisory skills, organizational development, change theory and management, stress and time management and problem solving.

Programs that provide intensive training in business management skills for individuals who want to start their own business or who are operating a fledgling business. The training addresses topics such as how to establish a business, how to obtain necessary permits and licenses, how to arrange for insurance coverage, how to write a business plan, and how to run a successful business. Entrepreneurship is the process of creating a business idea and turning it into a thriving enterprise.

Programs that provide up-to-date information about local, domestic and international trade issues as well as industry and regional economic growth forecasts to help people who are initiating or operating businesses make informed decisions.

Programs that provide technical assistance, training in business skills, assistance in writing business plans, access to venture capital or loans, loan guarantees or other forms of support for individuals who want to establish or expand the operation of very small businesses known as microenterprises or microbusinesses. A microenterprise is a business, which may be located in an urban, suburban or rural setting, with five or fewer employees and capital needs of less than $25,000. Many start as home or yard-based businesses, have part-time operations, and may be created by nontraditional entrepreneurs such as women, minorities, low-income individuals, and dislocated or underemployed workers. Most provide an opportunity for low-income households to become more self-sufficient.