Free Resources > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About the UNI Regional Business Center...

1. What is the UNI Regional Business Center?

2. What kind of classes does the UNI RBC offer? Will they cost an arm and two legs?

3. What can the UNI RBC do for me?

4. How is JPEC different from the SBDC?

5. Can I find non-profit assistance at the RBC?

   
   About your business...

   Planning

6. Someone says I need a business plan... so, what is that? How come I need one? How do I go about putting one together? Will you do it for me?

7. Should I be a sole proprietor or a corporation?

8. How do I get a Federal Tax ID number?

9. How do I register or trademark my business? Who do I contact? How much does it cost? What will I have to do?

   Money

10. Where's the money? How do I obtain funding for my project?

11. How can I win over the bank loan officer?

12. I heard I could get a grant from the government for this, is that true? Where do I go? Who do I talk to? How can I apply? Will you apply for me?

13. Will I have to pay taxes on this? What kind and when? Can I avoid it?

14. How do you read financial statements? Are there some basic things I should look for in a financial statement?

    Management

15. How do I go about hiring someone to help me? What should I pay them? Are there any laws I need to be aware of? How can I be sure I don't break them, or how can I avoid them?

16. How can I manage my business so that I can sleep at night, when I do get the chance to sleep? How can I do it all, right now? How can I decide what I should be doing, and what I shouldn't be doing? Who should be doing, what?

17. How can I manage my business effectively when I have relatives for partners and employees?

18. How can I better handle product delivery, distribution, inventory, production, pricing, expenses - to improve my bottom line?

19. How can I use new technology to improve my management skills and business performance? How much will it cost? Where do I go?

    Marketing

20. How do I get the word out on my businesses' services or products? How do I get more customers/clients?

Can't find what you're looking for here? Take a look at these FAQ pages! Small Business Administration Frequently (Most) Asked Questions Answers to commonly asked small business start-up questions from the SBA. Small Business Frequently Asked Questions from the SBA Office of Advocacy You want stats? They've got statistics and other interesting info on small businesses in the U.S. Iowa Business Network - About SBDC FAQ Got a question about the Iowa Small Business Development Centers and the services we offer? U.S. Business Advisor FAQ's This is the jackpot of frequently asked questions, listed by government agency. Not only do they have answers, they link you to each agency. Here you can find OSHA, EPA, IRS - tons of helpful information! If you still need answers, contact us.