How do I get an appointment with a counselor to talk about my business (idea)?
Our counselors meet one on one with entrepreneurs who have an existing business or have started to research their business idea.  If you have something in writing that outlines your business idea and what kind off assistance you need, then you’re ready to attend one of our free orientations.  To sign up, check our calendar and find a location near you.

Does my business plan have to be complete before I can meet with a counselor?
A completed business plan is not required to meet with a counselor but we ask that you have some research done and a written description.  The written document should explain at a minimum your business concept, key marketing, finance and production/service issues as well as what kind of assistance you need. We will ask to review these materials prior to scheduling an appointment.

What personal information is required to work with CCD?
We have contracts with the Federal and local governments that require us to collect demographic data such as ethnicity, income level and military service. Those clients, who choose to go through the lending process, will be asked to share very personal financial information such as credit reports and verification of assets. All of our client information is held in strict confidence.

I've never written a business plan. Can you write it for me?
The process of writing the plan is almost more important than the final document. It allows you to confront all of the challenges that you will face in your business and come up with contingency plans for how you will address them. Our counselors can help you get through the parts you don’t understand but the research, writing and decision making will be in your (powerful) hands!
Other Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I learn QuickBooks?

Most local community colleges offer courses in Quick books.  Training options are also available at the QuickBooks site (link: http://quickbooks.intuit.com/product/training/quickbooks_training_solutions.jhtml?lid=site_sub_header)

Do I need an attorney to form an llc or S-corp?

Registration as an LLC or S-corp can be submitted without a lawyer, however we recommend that you consult with a lawyer and CPA before choosing your legal structure. Upon request most lawyers will give you a written quote for the cost of completing registration on your behalf. This is especially important for S-corp registration.

Do you have information on self publishing, copyrighting, licensing?

If intellectual property is an integral part of your business then meeting with an intellectual property lawyer is a wise investment. For basic intellectual property resources try this link to the SBA website (link: http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/protectyourideas/SERV_SBP_PRTIDEAS.html).

What is the difference between what you do and the SBA?

How much do your services cost?

The cost of providing counseling services to clients is subsidized through the fund raising efforts of WBC/CCD staff.  The Seattle and Tacoma offices provide counseling services free of charge.  The Northwest WBC operates on a membership basis.  Click here for more details about the extra perks of the Northwest WBC membership program.

When do I need to get my business lic and where?

Businesses in Washington require a state and local business license.  States license questions can be answered through the resources available at www.accesswashington.com.  Local license issues can be researched on your county and city websites. A license should be filed for when operations begin.

How do I get grants?

Let’s be candid here – there’s a lot of misinformation being circulated about grants. Certainly, nonprofit organizations may compete for grants and the governments (federal, state and local) may occasionally need a product that doesn’t exist (Small Business Innovative Research grants are what we hear about most), but these are very restrictive and difficult to obtain. Click here to read the attached article from BusinessWeek and you’ll see that grants are an urban myth. And yes, CCD may be listed as a source of grants, but we have never distributed them.

Do you have a list of people I can market my business to?

Our counselors can help clients with marketing planning and tactics. We do not have direct or telemarketing lists that can be purchased or shared. Public libraries often have directories with specific prospecting resources (link to our resources page).

What do I do if I don't have any collateral or haven't yet worked on improving my credit?

Depending on the size of the loan request, we may refer you to Washington CASH or Count-Me-In—both of which offer small loans with few requirements and a process for increasing to larger loans.

How long does it take to get a loan? I don’t want to put a lot of time and effort into this and find out my application was denied. 

Once the business plan and loan package are completed (download the loan package checklist here) clients usually have an answer regarding their loan application within 2-4 weeks.

What kind of loan do I qualify for?

Loan officers and the business counselor will determine the best loan for each client’s circumstances.  Collateral, character, capacity, cash flow and capital are determining factors in whether a client can receive financing and what the conditions of the financing will be.

Do I have to have a business plan to get a loan?

Yes.  The business plan is the road map to success.  Planning helps clients see the future and create a business that has the cash flow to repay the loan.

Is there free money to start?

If it is too good to be true, it probably is! There are some grant programs for non-profits like charities, schools and community organizations, state and local government agencies, federally-recognized tribes and public safety agencies like hospitals, police and fire departments.  WBC does not have access to grants or zero interest loans.

Does having a business advisor make a difference?