Checklist for First Counseling Session

Please bring any relevant information you may have on your business. Preparation for your appointment will help you to maximize the use of the counseling session. 

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know at least two days before your appointment so that someone else can have that time slot. Please call (413) 737-6712.

Please complete our SBDC Request for Counseling (pdf*, 310K) and bring form with you to your first counseling session.

You should know the answers to the following questions before your first appointment: 

• Has your idea been thoroughly thought out?
• Do you have a product or service that is needed in the marketplace?
• Have you identified a location?
• Have you done any test marketing?
• Do you know your target market?
• Do you know your margins/mark up?
• Do you know how much money you need?
• Have you analyzed your personal financial situation?
• Have you tried to develop a business plan?
• If purchasing an existing business:
  - Do you have financial statements? 
  - Have you investigated the reason for the sale?
  - What is the condition of the inventory, the building, 
     and the industry?

The MSBDC counselor is an advisor on the technical aspects of business management. The MSBDC counselor will not:

• Give legal advice
• Write business plans
• Negotiate contracts
• Make decisions for clients

For further information, visit the following links:

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary to view PDF files. Click on logo for instructions on how to download for free.