Our Frequently Asked Questions list has been generated from the some of the most common questions entrepreneurs have. The FAQ pages address the many of the initial questions that we receive. If you do not find answers to your questions here, please feel free to contact us.

What is it that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) does?
The New York State Small Business Development Center (NYS SBDC) at Plattsburgh is part of a statewide network of business assistance centers supported by the State University of New York and the Small Business Administration. The New York State SBDC is accredited by the Association of Small Business Centers (ASBDC). The NYS SBDC at Plattsburgh is charged with assisting North Country entrepreneurs, small business, and industry through counseling, training, and research. Additionally, the SBDC provides needed services to manufacturers, women, veterans, minority, and physically challenged individuals, and on businesses impacting distressed and targeted areas. Counseling services are free and confidential. By assisting new and existing small business firms located in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and northern Washington counties, the NYS SBDC at Plattsburgh directly contributes to local, regional, and State economics, promoting stability and growth.

Who pays for the North Country SBDC program?
The NYS SBDC is administered by State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses.

What is the cost for North Country SBDC services?
There is NO charge for any of the SBDC consulting services. Fees are sometimes charged for seminars and workshops in order to offset stipends for instructors, materials, meeting venues, etc.

Where is the North Country SBDC located?
The North Country SBDC has relocated off campus. Our new address is 194 US Oval (on the old base), 2^nd Floor (north entrance), Plattsburgh, New York.

How do I get to the North Country SBDC?
From the SOUTH, Take I-87 to EXIT 36.  Turn right at end of ramp onto Route 22 north. Continue north 2.5 miles, passing airport and crossing railroad tracks. After tracks, turn right onto Arizona Ave. Continue ¾ miles to New York Road and turn left. Stay on New York Road until you come to a roundabout. Travel half way around and continue on New York Road. At first stop sign, turn left and at second stop sign turn left again onto US Oval. You will see the OneWorkSource building on your left, with parking lot on right. North entrance is on right side of building. Enter North Entrance and go to second floor. At top of stairs, the SBDC suite is on left.

From the NORTH, Take I-87 to EXIT 37. Travel East on Route 3, take right onto Broad Street, passing the Plattsburgh State University campus. Drive approximately 1.25 miles until you reach the light at Peru Street/Route 9.  Turn right onto Route 9 and travel approximately ½ mile. Turn left into Byrne Lane, bear right and make a right at the stop sign onto US Oval. We are located in the OneWorkSource building which will be on right, with parking lot on left.  North entrance is on right side of building. Enter North Entrance and go to second floor. At top of stairs, the SBDC suite is on left.

The 194 US Oval building has handicap access ramps going into the South Entrance where there is an elevator. Go to second floor, turn left into hallway and go to end of hallway. SBDC suite is at end of hallway.

What are your hours of operation?

• Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Of course, you can access BizEssentials.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Outreach locations: By appointment only

What kind of registration and licenses are generally required to start my business?
Obviously, there are specific requirements in each county and locality, but it is possible to list some of the licenses and registrations a new business may need:

Local If you choose to be a sole proprietor or a partnership, you will need to get a Business Certificate (also referred to as a DBA) from the county where the business is located. The necessary forms are available at the County Clerk's Office. In some instances, you may also be required to meet zoning laws, building codes, and similar regulations.

State In New York State, if you choose to be a C-Corp, S-Corp or LLC, you must file an application with the New York State Department of State. Depending on the type of business, you may also be required to apply for a Certificate of Authority from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Also, some businesses like liquor stores, barber shops, real estate offices, etc., require specific licenses.

Federal Depending on your business structure, you may need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

My business has been established for some time now. How can the North Country SBDC help me?
The SBDC provides a wide variety of services to established businesses, including one-on-one counseling in business marketing and promotions, financial analysis, and bookkeeping. In addition, we provide information and assistance on Procurement for companies that want to bid on State and Federal government contracts, as well as International Trade for those interested in expanding into the global marketplace.

What is a business plan? Do I need to write one?
A business plan is a business road map that provides direction for your business. It is a written description of the business that explains where you are now in relation to where you want your business to be. It defines the resources and the time you will need to accomplish your goals. It contains such items as the history and development of your business, an explanation of the products and/or services that you offer, your marketing strategy, legal and ownership structure, your management team, your market competition, your human resources plan, and financial projections. The type of business and the financing that you are seeking determines how in depth this written description should be. Lenders, banks, angel investors, venture capitalists, and grant-gifting organizations almost always require a business plan. However, one of the most important reasons to write such a plan is for an entrepreneur to engage in a systematic process of thinking through and planning your business. It can also be used as a tool to gauge the progress of your business over the long term.

How long will it take to write a Business Plan?
A well thought-out business plan generally takes anywhere from six months to a year to complete, but it can also take less time depending on how committed you are to the business, and how much time you are willing to spend on writing. Your business plan is a joint venture with your Business Advisor. The SBDC Advisor will not write a business plan for you, as the writing of the plan is an educational process in which you learn about your business and how you expect it to evolve. It should also reflect your goals, objectives, priorities, and management style.

Are there grants available to start a small business?
There has been a popular myth of “free money” and unfortunately, many people approach new ventures with this expectation. The reality for many entrepreneurs is that most new businesses are financed with personal funds (savings, family and friends). Those who are eligible for financing still must invest in their own venture and provide collateral. State and Federal grants that are available are generally intended for very specific purposes, such as business infrastructure expansion, technical assistance, high-tech businesses and employee training. The SBA does maintain a list of links to grants, but few of them apply to a typical small business.

How can I get a business loan?
The best way to enhance your asking position is to do your research. Before approaching a lender, get a copy of your credit report and make sure that it is accurate. If there are any problems, contact and correct it with the reporting agency. If there is a problem with your credit report, prepare the appropriate explanation. Work with your Business Advisor to prepare a written business plan that includes credible financial and market data. If you are already have an established business, be prepared to provide two to three years of financial statements and tax documents.