Identify business resources, mentors, and professional advisers.

Identification should include

• chambers of commerce
• media centers
• trade magazines and journals
• the Internet
• the U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] and local SBA
• the Better Business Bureau
• other agencies (e.g., SCORE Links to an external site., Virginia Small Business Development Centers [SBCD] Links to an external site.).
• other entrepreneurs
• bank representatives
• competitors
• conferences and conventions
• mystery shoppers
• reviews (e.g., surveys, online platforms)
• small business incubators and accelerators
• trade association representatives.

Process/Skill Questions:

• How might each of these resources be used when starting a business?
• What are the benefits of networking?
• What is the purpose of a business advisory board?
• How can attending conferences and conventions connect one to resources and mentors?
• Why is having a mentor or professional adviser important?