A Veteran protege I have been informally mentoring has developed a business plan for an "urban farm, greenhouse and local grocery market".
Is there anyone out there willing to critique this Veteran's business plan, offer advice, etc?
I'm going to critique the plan. I also suggested that the Veteran seek advice and assistance from the local chapters of the Service Corp of retired Executives (SCORE), a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Small Business Association (SBA), as well as a local business incubator.
Any other suggestions?
http://www.score.org/
http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs
http://www.sba.gov/
http://www.csus.edu/sacstatenews/articles/2011/09/BizCenter09-26-11.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=sacramento+business+incubator
Thanks,
Tom
thomasical at gmail dot com
Answers
Andy,
Thanks.
This is what I found:
http://www.sba.gov/content/mentor-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-program
It looks to me that the SBA mentoring program is aimed at businesses trying to do business with the federal government, and is part of the "8(a) Business Development".
Initially, I though this program might not be appropriate. But who knows, maybe the Feds have a need for organic produce and delicious farm-raised fish!
http://www.sba.gov/content/8a-business-development
-Tom
Google "SBA mentor" and choose the link for "Find an SBA mentor" on the sba.gov site. They'll do more than review a plan. They will establish an ongoing mentoring relationship.
Rachel - I'll be sure to tell my "protege" (fellow Veteran/peer) about your offer of assistance. -Tom
Tom - did you get all the critiques you were after?
While I work at HP in disaster recovery, I've still got a lot of background in the sciences, writing and marketing that may be of assistance!
Rachel
Bill - Thanks for your offer of assistance. I'll pass your message along to the Veteran protege and aspiring entrepreneur. I helped coordinate a meeting between the protege and a SCORE counselor, and I think that relationship is progressing well. - Tom
Tom, if you still need help and think my East Coast location and/or lack of experience in farming or the grocery business are not show stoppers, I will be happy to review the business plan. My Exxon career frequently involved business planning responsibilities as did leadership of the Exxon Central Services Company.
Regards, Bill
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