FAQs: Counseling & Training
QUESTION: Do I have to pay for counseling and training through SBDCs, WBCs, and MBDCs? Answer: Counseling is free and training is low-cost with these partners. The additional funds that Congress provided will help keep this possible. Mentorship through SCORE is always free.
QUESTION: What is a SBDC? Answer:SBDCs are a national network of nearly 1,000 centers that are located at leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners. They provide counseling and training to new and existing businesses. Each state has a lead center that coordinates services specifically for that state, which you can find by clicking the link above. To find out more about SBDCs, visit https://americassbdc.org/about-us/.For help applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and to access other loan resources available to Wisconsin businesses courtesy of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network, please visit: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/
QUESTION: What is a WBC; is it only for women? Answer:WBCs are a national network of more than 100 centers that offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance and mentoring to entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics. In addition to women, WBCs are mandated to serve the needs of underserved entrepreneurs, including low-income entrepreneurs. They often offer flexible hours to meet the needs of their diverse clientele. To find out more about WBCs, visit https://www.awbc.org/.For information and resources courtesy of the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) please visit: https://www.wwbic.com/covid-19-resources/
