SBDC Resources
The Coconino SBDC provides a wide variety of resources to our clients. Our expertise is passed on to our clients during our face to face sessions. We also have many resources that we have reviewed for our clients that are posted on our resource pages. Whether you are a start-up or an existing business we have resources for you.
Take a look around our resource pages for industry-specific resources, local support, document templates, free/low-cost software and online training for your business needs.
ALERT: There is an extensive amount of external resources available on this page. Coconino Community College, Coconino SBDC, Arizona SBDC, National SBDC, and the SBA are not responsible for your experience with any of these resources. Use these resources at your own risk.
Veteran Resources
The Coconino SBDC wants to support Veterans who would like to start or grow a business. We work with SBA programs to help Vets get the resources that they need. Please contact us for further information.
Start-Up Resources
Starting a business can be rewarding both personally and financially if done in the right way. The SBDC helps you understand what it takes to start and run a business.
If you have not started up or run a business before, take a look at our " Self Assessment" page for self-assessment tools. This section is set up in the general order that a business should be developed and started. You can follow the order or jump around according to your needs.
Local Programs
Coconino County Basic Business Empowerment Program - A classroom program that meets for 10 weeks and helps the participants work through the process of developing a business plan.
- You will work hand in hand with the county mentors and the SBDC to develop your plan.
- You have the support of the SBDC when you graduate from the program.
Self Assessment
To start the process, work through the self-assessment tool to see what your entrepreneurial inclinations are. We are assuming that you have a business idea to start with.
Do you have the personality of an Entrepreneur? Take the assessment below to find out.
Business Model
When you are asked about a business model — as in, "So what's your business model?" —it is really much more direct and basic question: "How do you plan to make money?"
We are tapping into the current "Lean Start-up" trends to help our clients develop their business model. Below are articles and resources on Lean Start-up practices. To the right are some websites that help guide clients through the development of a business model.
Business Model Development Software
Take a look at the tool below that can help you develop your business model. It is based on a "lean canvas" model and are useful for brainstorming who your customers are, how you will interact with them, what your costs will be and what your pricing will be. The brainstorming you do hear can be turned into parts of your business plan later.
This is a preliminary step that can be refined as you go along. The idea is to start to identify how the business will run and make money so some early research can help you decide if the business is feasible. Additional Lean Start-up resources are available below.
Business Model - Lean Startup
Lean Start-up practices have evolved within the software and app development industry but can be applied across just about any start-up. The practice focuses on developing a minimum viable product and business model to get started with. The front end planning and development required by traditional business planning are put to the side to allow more customer feedback to be gathered in an earlier stage of product/business development.
Lean Start-up Software Tools
Lean Start-up Articles and Resources
Business Model - Vakye Proposition
What is a Value Proposition?
A value proposition is a solution to your customer’s problem. It goes hand in hand with the problem you are solving. I am a customer, I walk in with a problem, I walk out with a solution. The solution then is not your product or service, but the solution your product or service provides. ie: the end result, the value given to the customer.
Value Proposition Resources
- HP Life Content for Entrepreneurs - Great online learning - Online mini-course for Value Proposition
- Plan to Start - Examples of Value Propositions
- Venture Harbour - The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Value Proposition
- ConversionXL - Examples, and How-To
Research
If you feel comfortable with the idea of being an entrepreneur then it is time to research your idea. Just because you think it is a good idea does not mean people will buy your product or service.
It is a good idea to look at the possible size of the market.
Research your idea
Market Research
Local Demographic Information
Freelance Researchers
Business Plan
Business plans are very worthwhile even if the company you are developing is not in need of funding. That said, the traditional 30 to 50-page business plan is more a thing of the past.
Modern business plans are more direct, concise and to the point. The financial analysis is one of the primary areas that will still be looked at in detail.
Checklists and Templates
Software
- Live plan - Excellent software that adds features all the time for the plan to be part of business operations in the long run. We have an SBDC special that gives clients 6 months of access for $59.95.
- StratPad - Create an integrated free business plan and boost your business with our easy-to-use cloud-based business planning software. We are starting to use this with a number of clients.
- SBA Build a Biz Plan - Free to use, has issues logging back into it and you will need to reset password frequently. Basic question and answer format. Financial section is confusing, the rest is fine.
Sample Plans and Resources
Business Plan Writing Services
Funding
Start-up funding is difficult to come by. We help our clients bootstrap their businesses or find capital from other sources.
- Boot Strapping (Self Funding)
- Loans
- Crowd Funding
Funding - Loans
Start-up funding is difficult to come by. We help our clients bootstrap their businesses or find capital from other sources.
Local Funding
- Dollars 4 Dreams - Loans up to $5000
Small Business Capital
- Connect Lending
- BoeFly
- Accion
- Kabbage
- Small Business Funding
- Fundera
- Lendio
- Can Capital
- Funding Circle
Funding - Crowdfunding
According to Wikipedia, crowdfunding (sometimes called crowd financing, equity crowdfunding or hyper funding) “describes the collective effort of individuals who network and pool their money, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations.”
Is crowdfunding right for your business?
Here is an excellent resource to research this question:
Crowd Funding Sites
- Kickstarter (pre-orders, rewards, and donations)
- IndieGoGo (pre-orders, rewards, and donations)
- GoFundMe (donations)
- FundRazr (donations)
- LendingClub (peer-to-peer lending)
- Crowdcube (UK equity)
- Fundable (rewards or equity, monthly fee)
More Crowdfunding
Business Setup
Part of doing business in Arizona is getting set up properly. The SBDC has resources for Sole Proprietor, LLC, S Corp, and C Corp setup.
Basic definitions:
- Sole Proprietor - the individual is the single owner of the business and therefore accountable for all company's debts or liabilities.
- LLC - whereby the members of the company cannot be held personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities.
- S Corp - Pass-through taxation gives the major difference from an LLC, the S Corp must file a business tax return.
- C Corp - Separate taxation. Limit the personal liability of individuals involved in the corporation. Ownership belongs to the board and will run when original owners are replaced.
Start-up FAQs
Start-up Guides
- Interactive business course (approximately 30 minutes) - Encore Entrepreneurs: An Introduction to Starting Your Own Business
Business Glossary
Local Business Support
Legal Resources
Part of doing business in Arizona is getting set-up properly. The SBDC has resources for Sole Proprietor, LLC, S Corp, and C Corp setup.
Basic definitions:
- Sole Proprietor - the individual is the single owner of the business and therefore accountable for all company's debts or liabilities.
- LLC - whereby the members of the company cannot be held personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities.
- S Corp - Pass-through taxation gives is the major difference from an LLC, the S Corp must file a business tax return.
- C Corp - Separate taxation. Limit the personal liability of individuals involved in the corporation. Ownership belongs to the board and will run when original owners are replaced.
Sole Proprietor
SUGGESTED STEPS TO FILING PAPERWORK FOR A SOLE PROPRIETOR BUSINESS IN ARIZONA
Prior to Filing Paperwork
- Choose a Business Name: In Arizona, a sole proprietor may use his or her own given name or may use an assumed name. To make sure your business name is available, run a search in the following government databases:
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: (Click on the TESS link under Tools.)
- The county recorder’s office where you plan to do business.
Filing Steps
- File a Trade Name: If you use a business name that is different from your legal name, Arizona does not require you to register the trade name, however, it is an acceptable business practice to do so. Visit the Trade Name section of the Arizona Secretary of State website for more information.
- Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Zoning Clearance Your business may need to obtain a variety of licenses and permits depending on its business activities. A business can obtain this information by going to the Arizona Commerce Authority website. In addition, Arizona state agencies oversee the licensing of various occupations. Finally, local regulations, including building permits and zoning clearances, may apply to your business. You should check with your city or county clerk or licensing department.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number Sole proprietors who wish to have employees need to obtain an Employer Identification Number or EIN. Registering for an EIN can be done online at the IRS website. Sole proprietors without employees are not required to have an EIN but it is highly recommended.
- If you have employees, you must report and pay employment taxes on a periodic basis. For more information on being an Arizona employer, see the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Next Steps
- Open a business bank account: Using your fictitious business name and EIN, you should set up a bank account to keep your business and personal finances separate.
- Obtain general liability insurance: Because sole proprietors are personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business, a business liability insurance policy may be the only form of financial protection against unforeseen events.
- Report and pay taxes: Depending on your specific business activities, you may be required to report such items as sales tax and use tax.
LLC Setup
SUGGESTED STEPS TO FILING PAPERWORK FOR AN LLC BUSINESS IN ARIZONA
Before filing with the State of Arizona
- Choose a name - Choose a name for the business entity and search it on the Internet (Google it) to see if other persons are using the name. You must have LLC at the end of the company name.
- Check name availability - Go to Entity Search and click on the "Name" heading. Click on "Check Entity Name Availability." Type in the desired name with LLC at the end. Click on the drop-down menu and select LLC. Click the "Check Name" button. If your company name is available, you can reserve it if you are not going to set up your LLC right away or go to the "Create" heading and set up the LLC.
- Purchase a domain name (optional but recommended) - Check the availability of the domain name that you would like. Domain can be used but is only one of many resources for domain names.
- Prepare an Operating Agreement An LLC operating agreement is not required in Arizona but is highly advisable if there is more than one person who is a member of the LLC. If an operating agreement is created, it need not be filed with the Articles of Organization.
File LLC paperwork with the Arizona State Corporation Commission
- File for your LLC online: Go to Entity Search and click on the "Create" heading. Click on the "Form an Arizona Limited Liability Company or Professional LLC" link. Click on the "eFile" button. Follow the instructions given. You can be your own Statutory Agent; you DO NOT need a lawyer. Click on the ? for more information on each section. If you have more questions, call us or email us at the Coconino SBDC.
- Advertise your start-up per AZCC guidelines: Find a newspaper that publishes within your county that publishes public notices.
Once you have your LLC paperwork back from the state
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS: Apply for an EIN
- Obtain a Sales Tax License (optional) - You might need to complete a transaction privilege tax application with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Check the ADOR website - Arizona Department of Revenue
- City or County Business Licensing - Register the business entity with the city in which the business is located (or county if you are in an unincorporated area). This is for transaction privilege tax purposes and also for any business or occupational licenses that the city requires.
- File a Trade Name: Arizona does not require you to register the trade name. However, it is an acceptable business practice to do so. Visit the Trade Name Section of the Arizona Secretary of State website for more information.
Next Steps
- Open a business bank account: Using your business name, LLC and EIN, you should set up a bank account to keep your business and personal finances separate.
- Obtain general liability insurance: Because the LLC will be liable for all debts and obligations of the business, a business liability insurance policy can help provide financial protection against unforeseen events.
- Report and pay taxes: Depending on your specific business activities, you may be required to report such items as sales tax and use tax.
Business Resources
The Coconino SBDC is not just about start-ups! We constantly work with established businesses to help them find capital, increase sales, hire more employees or find new ways to grow.
The resource categories include strategic planning, trademarking, accounting, marketing, legal and business software. Take a look around to see if there is something there to help you.
Accounting
The Entrepreneur’s Accounting Cheat Sheet
Accounting Software
Web Based
- Wave - Free
- ZipBooks - Free
- QuickBooks
- Xero US
- FreshBooks
- Cheqbook
- NolaPro
- Apptivo
- StudioCloud
Installed
- GnuCash - Free
- Manager - Free
- NCH Software - Free Express Accounts
- NolaPro - Free
Payroll Support
Business Calculators
Small Business Taxes
Business Software
Customer Relationship Management Software
- Insightly - Free for three users, works well with Gmail
- Zoho - Free for three users
- Capsule CRM - Free for one user, limited contacts
- https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/ - Fee-based
- OnePageCRM/ - Fee-based
Video Editing Tools
Customer Service Software
Email Marketing Software
eCommerce Software
Small Business Management
Point of Sale Software
Business Training
These resources are geared for entrepreneurs who want to learn online or learn at their own pace. There are videos, interactive learning, and worksheets that are part of the resources.
Local Business Training Resources
Coconino County Basic Business Empowerment Program - A classroom program that meets for 9 weeks and helps the participants work through the process of developing a business plan.
- You will work hand in hand with the county mentors and the SBDC to develop your plan.
- You have the support of the SBDC when you graduate from the program.
Online Business Training Resources
- Small Business Administration Training
- MaRS - Entrepreneurship 101 by MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Canada
- Springboard - My Slide Rule - You'll learn the "core" MBA skills taught in top programs - finance, accounting, operations management, marketing, strategy, and organizational behavior.
Buying/Selling a Business
Small Business Valuation Tools
- BizEx Small Business Calculator
- CNN Money - Business Calculator
- Business Owner's Playbook - Determining Your Business’s Market Value
- BizBuySell
Human Resources
Payroll
- AccountingCoach - Journal Entry Explanations
- Online Payroll Calculator by Paycheck City
Non-Compete - Article and Template
Employees
Independent Contractors
- IRS Video - Taxes & Hiring
- Entrepreneur - Independent Contractors
- Nolo - Independent Contractors Required Documentation
Legal
Legal Reference - Free Templates/Forms/Definitions
- Legal Forms Search
- Free Legal Documents and Free Legal Forms
- OfficeDepot Free Business Forms
- Docracy Open Legal Documents
- Black's Lack Dictionary
Online Legal Services
- Rocket Lawyer
- LegalZoom
- Shake by LegalShield - Shake is a technology platform making the law accessible, understandable and affordable for consumers and small businesses. They strive to combine the simplicity and convenience of a handshake with the protection of a legal agreement.
Legal Reference
Marketing
Marketing Plan Development
- Mplans - a large collection of free sample marketing plans and helpful marketing articles.
Website Development Tools
SEO Tools
Social Media Marketing Tools
Logo Design
Graphic Design
Poster/Flyer Maker
- PosterMyWall
- Canva - great graphics software
Strategic Planning
In today's highly competitive business environment, budget-oriented planning or forecast-based planning methods are insufficient for a large corporation to survive and prosper. The firm must engage in strategic planning that clearly defines objectives and assesses both the internal and external situation to formulate strategy, implement the strategy, evaluate the progress, and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.
Definitions/Descriptions
Resources/Tools
Industry Specific Resources
If you are in a particular industry, take a look at the industry-specific resources that we are curating. If you don't see your industry, let us know and we will do some research to develop a section for your industry.
Arts Industry
General Reference and Support
- 5 Tips to Building Your Own Art Business..
- Starting an Arts and Crafts Business
- Building Your Own Profitable Internet Caricature, Portrait Drawing, Illustration, Or Arts And Craft Business
Market Research
Software
- Craftybase - Stock and inventory tracking, customer and vendor management, sales and invoicing, time tracking and Etsy shop import.
- SoundCloud - free desktop software that provides an integrated system including client management, scheduling, point-of-sale, bookkeeping, reporting, marketing campaigns, and project/event/order management.
- 17hats - Online software that provides an integrated system including client management, scheduling, bookkeeping, reporting, marketing campaigns, and project/event/order management.
- Apptivo - Customer management, invoicing, financials, projects, timesheets and more.
Construction
General Reference and Support
- Before you get an LLC set up, work with the State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors (link below). You will need to verify your company name with them first and then cross check with the Arizona Corporation Commission site for your business name if you create an LLC.
State of Arizona Contractors Licensing
Local Resources
Flagstaff Registrar of Contractors Office
2901 W. Shamrell Blvd., Suite 100
Flagstaff, Arizona 86005-9417
Telephone: 928-637-0480
FAX: 928-774-6914
Market Research
- Construction Market Research Reports & Industry Analysis
- DODGE - Market Research Documentation
- Market Research In The Construction Industry
Web-Based Software for Contractors
- Joist
- acclux - Accounting and Project Management
- intelligentcontract
- CoConstruct - Custom Home Builder & Re-modeler Software
- WorkBook - Accounting, CRM and Project Management
- BareTeam - Estimate invoices and manage your contracts anywhere with this site.
Education
Learning Disabilities Resources
- Dr. Suzie Tochterman Muir - consultant that does LD testing
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- LD OnLine - Another national LD Organization
- Learning Technics - centers with licensing opportunities
Farming
General Reference and Support
Local Resources
Financing
Veterans Resources
- USDA, Office of Advocacy and Outreach: Information for Veterans
- Veteran Affairs, Farm Loans: Home Loans for Rural Residents
- Farmer Veteran Coalition
- Veterans to Farmers
Government Contracting
Federal Government Contracting
Women-Owned Business
- Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting program
- Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program (2011)
- USWCC Certifications - 3rd Party Certifier
8(a) Disadvantaged Small Business
State of Arizona
Home Baked Goods
Turn your baking skills into a small business! Under the Arizona Department of Health Services' provision for Home Baked and Confectionery Goods, you can bake your favorite treats at home and sell them to hungry customers.
Full details, including production guidelines and program registration, are available on the ADHS website at:
Home Baked and Confectionery Goods
Here are the steps to starting a baked goods business in your home:
- Familiarize yourself with the regulations involved. Make sure you understand production guidelines, labeling requirements, and which foods cannot be produced under this provision.
- Obtain your Food Handlers Card. Food Handler Certification and HB 2102
- Register your business with the Home Baked & Confectionery Goods Program.
- Consider whether you'd like to operate as an LLC or Sole Proprietor.
- You'll need to charge sales tax when you sell your goods. Obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax License (TPT) from the City AND State.*
*this regulation changes January 1st, 2015. You will only be required to file with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
City of Flagstaff: Sales Tax License
Arizona: AZTaxes
Sell those cookies!
Publishing
General Reference and Support
Software
- FastPencil - publish and distribute your print book and e-book.
- Lulu
- CreateSpace - Amazon's Self Publishing Division.
- Blurb
- Free Guides For Authors - BookBaby makes self-publishing easy: from cover design, book printing, eBook conversions, distribution, website creation, and more.