BizLaunch Small Business Success Stories on the Rise
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BizLaunch, Arlington’s Small Business Assistance Network has released numbers from the latter half of 2009 and the results are staggering: BizLaunch counseling appointments doubled in 2009 – in fact, BizLaunch and SCORE business counselors held more counseling sessions for new entrepreneurs and existing small business owners in the last 6 months of 2009 than all of 2008. BizLaunch’s representative from D.C.’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce saw similar results with their clients.
Why the sharp increase?
According to BizLaunch manager Tara Miles, there are a variety of factors driving the volume of clients she sees. “Certainly, the recession has created some new entrepreneurs,” stated Miles. “Losing a job – or even just witnessing a company in transition – causes people to rethink what they ultimately want to do. We’re seeing many new entrepreneurs who are using this opportunity to strike out on their own.”
Besides new entrepreneurs, BizLaunch has also seen an increase in existing small business owners who return to BizLaunch for counseling on a variety of topics. One of the benefits of BizLaunch, according to Miles, is the ability to get a variety of business information in one place. “We’ve seen many BizLaunch clients return to get additional counseling on reworking business plans, securing additional financing and more,” stated Miles. “Our most successful clients consistently return to BizLaunch, knowing that they’ll get the counseling they need, regardless of the stage of their business.”
And although Miles doesn’t like to brag, the reputation of BizLaunch is undoubtedly another factor driving new clients. In 2006, the Small Business Administration (SBA) named Miles the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year award. BizLaunch partners with a wide variety of small business organizations to provide information on writing a business plan, taxes, permits, licensing, marketing, financing and more to start or grow a business in Arlington.
And if BizLaunch’s reputation isn’t enough, its success stories speak volumes.
One recent BizLaunch client used connections they received through BizLaunch to partner with Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Department. At a one-on-one counseling session, “Go Bananas Dancing” founder Susannah Keefe received materials and information she needed to start her business: legal, accounting, start-up assistance and more. Ms. Keefe was able to launch her business in November of 2009 and by December was already expanding her business. “I am happy to announce that I will be offering creative movement and pre-ballet classes through the Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation this winter,” stated Keefe. “Go Bananas Dancing has also partnered with FitArlington, Arlington’s initiative to help all Arlingtonians live healthier and more active lives.”
BizLaunch’s work with Go Bananas Dancing originated from another BizLaunch client who was interested in providing educational resources to Arlington’s smallest budding scientists. Allegra Jabo, a former scientist herself, knew that instilling a passion for science at an early age was key to maintaining an interest in later school years. She approached BizLaunch with her idea, plus had questions about the formation of a business and other legal assistance. With the help of BizLaunch’s one-on-one consultations and phone meetings, Ms. Jabo successfully launched her business, “The Science Seed” in the fall of 2009. She is working with private preschools in Arlington and Alexandria, and the Arlington County Parks & Recreation preschools. The Science Seed will soon be expanding and teaching at preschool and kindergarten afterschool programs in Arlington Public Schools.
BizLaunch’s proven record of business assistance continues to provide invaluable support to Arlington’s new entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you’ve been thinking about starting a business in Arlington, BizLaunch can help. Contact BizLaunch at 703-228-0808 or visit www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bizlaunch.
