University of La Verne SBDC Small Biz Blog

A Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business is a free listing online that you can use to increase the visibility of your business on Google. We still get many clients who don’t understand the importance of the GBP or how to use it and manage to grow their business. In this guide, I’ll show you the 4 principles of E-E-A-T you need to follow to increase visibility on google to get more customers and the strategies behind. Experience The first and newest edition to our principles Google added and that you can use to increase the quality and discoverability of your Google Business Profile is: Experience. Let’s take at what google says about experience: Consider the extent to which the content creator has the necessary first-hand or life experience for the topic. For example, which would you trust: a product review from someone who has personally used the product or a "review" by someone who has not? How can we apply this to our profile? SInce google is looking for info

If you're seeking to attract customers through blog posts or videos, content marketing could be just what you need to expand your business. While the prospect may seem enticing for small business owners, the process can often be daunting and unfamiliar. In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of content marketing, exploring various content formats to boost sales and explain the strategic approach to creating and distributing your content. What is Content Marketing? Before we can talk about how to do content marketing, let me explain what content marketing is. Content marketing is a form of marketing focused on creating, publishing, and distributing content or information for a targeted audience online. This means we are using this information to educate your audience for them to make and informed decision. So the idea is to create the right content for your target audience to make the right decision for themselves and purchase your solution for their problems. Goals Next thin

  If you are a minority or women owned small business and are looking to gain an advantage for government contracting, there is certification you might be interested in. A DBE Certification is one focused on California businesses that gives construction firms an edge in public contracts. So in this video, I’ll explain how the DBE certification works, including eligibility, required documents and how to apply for one to grow your business in government contracting. About the Certification The DBE or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, began in 1980 as a minority/women's business enterprise program established by regulation under the authority of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its main purpose was “to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs; To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts. The Act

  Starting a business can be difficult especially if you are not sure if it will work. Market research is vital for ensuring success since 42% of all businesses fail because they lack a market for their product. It’s easy to say you need to do research, but what exactly does that mean? In this video, I will cover how to use free resources to conduct your market research and what to look for in your research to increase your success. Step 1. Why do the Research? The first step we need to do is ask: why are we doing this research? Now, for most of our clients who come to the SBDC, they are looking to start a new business. So they need to know what the industry looks like if they are just getting into it or getting more information about the larger industry if they have been in it for a while but may not know the big picture. The other aspect of why we are doing the research is what is the goal of your marketing that this research will do? For an existing business, you may have been in b

Here at the University of LaVerne SBDC, we have been creating content and teaching small business owners to empower them to help start or grow their small businesses. Our Small Biz Blog turns 4 years old, and it has been an interesting time. In this article, I will reflect on why we started, how we do it, and some tips if you are looking to use content to attract and build an audience over the long term.  I'm Josh From the University of La Verne Small Business Development Center. SBDCs are local centers funded by the SBA that help small businesses with free one on one consulting and free training like this video. So, let's get started.  Why a Blog? We started the University of LaVerne SBDC Small Biz Blog because at the time the world was shut down here in California. Many people were looking to get not only with their existing businesses but looking to start up a small business as well.  Originally, I decided to create timely guides to help people through COVID and help people

  Many veteran small businesses need some sort of advantage when they are starting government contracting, and gaining some kind of veteran certification can do just that. Many small business owners find the certification process really confusing and are not even sure where to begin to apply. In this video guide, I will cover what the DBVE certification is, how to apply for it online, and how to put your years of service to work for your business. Background So what is the DVBE certification? The Disabled Veteran Business enterprise Certification is government contracting socioeconomic certification in California. California has committed to set aside 3% of contracts for DVBEs. The certification allows you a 5% incentive for DVBEs on applicable state solicitations. This means if you are DVBE certified and are 5% percent higher than the lowest bid that isn’t certified you can win the contract because of this incentive. The State of California also allows the certification to apply to th

  In celebration of all the great things SBDCs do to help small business we are going to answer questions that you have out there from calls, requests and comments on social media.  Question #1 I'm looking for funding to grow my business. Im looking to get a grant but I don’t know how to search for them and I don’t want to take out a loan Check out our resource on funding option for small businesses and role grants have in funding small business  5 Ways to Fund your Start Up Get more information on SBIR for research  Resource for federal grants Question #2 I want to get into government contracting but I have no idea where to start. I have signed up for SAM but I don’t know where to go from there. Help! Step #1: Understand what the government buys: Learn About Spend Research  Step #2: Find where the opportunities are: Free Government Search Resources Step #3: Speak with a SBDC consultant near you to understand the contracting process Question #3 Hi start up funding to not use my pe

When delving into the realm of small business ownership, insurance often falls to the wayside amidst the excitement of launching or operating your venture. However, understanding the significance of insurance and its role in safeguarding your business is paramount. In this guide, we'll explore the nuances of business insurance, from essential policies to practical tips for securing adequate coverage. Insurance for Small Business As a small business owner, there are several insurance policies that may be obligatory depending on your location and the nature of your operations. Let's delve into some key considerations: General Liability Insurance:  This policy typically covers bodily injuries, property damage, and liability claims arising from your business operations or products. It's essential for protecting against potential lawsuits and financial losses. Professional Liability Insurance:  Also known as errors and omissions insurance , this coverage safeguards your busin