Small Business Development Center - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBDC?
The SBDC represents The Small Business Development Center which is a component of the U. S. Small Business Administration. The Tyler SBDC office is a component of Tyler Junior College’s School of Continuing Studies.
How can the SBDC help me?
The SBDC offers confidential counseling, at no charge, to individuals desiring to start, sell or improve a small business. Counselors are available by appointment Monday – Friday. The SBDC also offers training class on a wide variety of business subjects discussed further down in this section.
Does the SBDC offer assistance in getting a bank loan to start a small business?
YES! The SBDC works with several local banks, as well as other banks located throughout Texas, to obtaining loans for qualified individuals desiring to start a small business.
Does the SBDC offer assistance in getting a grant to start a small business?
NO! The SBDC does not have access to business grants.
Who are the SBDC employees?
Donald Proudfoot, Director
Faye Yates Bookout, Staff Coordinator
Robert Lewis, Training Coordinator
Perry Smith, Counselor
Where is the SBDC office located?
On the Tyler Junior College West Campus
1530 SSW Loop 323 Ste.100
Tyler, Texas 75701
Tyler Junior College Directions
What is the SBDC’s phone number?
(903) 510-2975
What is the SBDC’s e-mail address?
Don Proudfoot, dprd@tjc.edu
Faye Yates Bookout, kboo@tjc.edu
Robert Lewis, rlew@tjc.edu
Perry Smith, pt-psmi@tjc.edu
What is the SBDC’s fax number?
(903) 510-2972
What are the SBDC’s Office Hours?
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
The SBDC observes the same holiday and semester schedule as Tyler Junior College.
How can I get an appointment with an SBDC counselor?
By calling (903) 510-2975
What part of East Texas does the TYLER SBDC office serve?
The Tyler office has been serving the following counties; Wood, Smith, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Shelby and Sabine since 1988.
What is SCORE?
This is The Service Corps of Retired Executives. This is a national organization comprised of individuals possessing a wide variety of business skills. These individuals have retired from their position as a business owner or senior executive and now offer confidential counseling services to individuals desiring to start sell or improve their small business.
How can SCORE help me?
Counselors can help individuals think through their plan for starting, selling or improving a small business. The counselor’s years of business experience can be a valuable resource for your business planning ideas.
How do I get and appointment to speak with a SCORE Counselor?
By calling (903) 510-2975
Counselors are available on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Appointment hours on those dates are 9:30am, 10:30am and 11:30am.
What is the cost to meet with a SCORE Counselor?
There is no chare for SCORE counseling.
What education courses does the SBDC offer?
The courses offered by the SBDC are directed toward those individual interested in starting a small business or in updating their knowledge of operating a small business. These courses include:
Introduction to Small Business Workshop
Accounting and Taxes for Small Businesses
Insurance Requirements for Small Businesses
Legal Considerations for Starting a Small Business
Business Planning
Financial Statement Analysis
Financing a Small Business
Small Business Record Keeping
Successfully Managing a Food Service Business
Winning Government Contracts
Lean Manufacturing
Making Money with Rental Property
Management Skills Certification
When are the classes held?
Classes are held during the Tyler Junior College Fall, spring and summer semesters. Classes are listed in the Tyler Junior College School of Continuing Studies Catalog each semester.
How long do the classes usually last?
Classes are usually 2 ½ hours in length, however some “one day” classes require up to 7 ½ hours.
How much does it cost to attend SBDC classes?
Normally the cost for one class is $39.00.
Who are the SBDC instructors?
Instructors are selected on the basis of their academic and business experience. Generally the instructors have a vast knowledge of the subject they are assigned to teach. Many of the instructors are leaders within the business community and have several years experience in teaching in their subject area. A list of instructors can be found on this web site by clicking on “Instructors” located on the SBDC menu.
What special events for small businesses does the SBDC offer?
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Women's Entrepreneurs Networking Luncheon
This luncheon is held annually usually in late summer. The focus is on women entrepreneurs. The events include a workshop covering a subject targeted toward improving skills used by women. These training classes are conducted by women who have a proven success record in the subject area. There is also an opportunity to visit exhibit booths sponsored by women owned businesses within the Tyler area. The featured event is the luncheon which includes a style show and presentation of the featured speaker who gives her success story for her small business.
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Deal Days
Deal Days is an annual event sponsored by the SBDC which provides an opportunity for individuals desiring to obtain information from banks concerning a small business loan. The event is held at a location which provides both the bank representative and the business person opportunity to discuss the proposed business in a confidential setting. Since there are several banks represented at this event the business person can visit with several bankers to discuss their proposal. There is no charge for this event.
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Does the SBDC have a web site?
Yes! www.tjc.edu Click on the Small Business Development Center located on the left side of the screen.
Are there other Small Business web sites available?
Yes! The SBA web site is www.sba.gov
The SCORE web site is www.score.org
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