My Visit with Alan Steele of SBDC

Alan Steel

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has made arrangements with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to have Alan Steele come to the MCEDC office in Plymouth once each month to council existing Marshall County businesses and future entrepreneurs.  The service has been offered for most of 2011 and has been reasonably well received with 16 businesses taking advantage of the service through September.

Earlier this month I decided to take advantage of the service myself regarding a business venture I am considering outside Easterday Construction Co., Inc.  While I had some ideas of what I wanted to do, I knew there were gaps in my knowledge, since this would be a move into a new arena for me.  I also felt that it was appropriate that I go through the experience with Mr. Steele since as Chair of MCEDC, I have been promoting the service to others.

The meeting was quite productive.  The questions he asked were pertinent and thought provoking.  At the end he explained several options for additional information he could obtain for me.  I received the additional information within about 10 days.  I would recommend the service for anyone that is considering a new business, expanding an existing business or just needing help with their current business.  I think this is a seriously underutilized resource.