Business Consulting and Coaching
Starting and running a business is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be intimidating and overwhelming, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. With so many important decisions to be made every day, it’s no wonder that most budding business owners have more questions than answers.
Now imagine that you have someone to talk with who has already been through the experience and succeeded, and who is willing to field questions and offer guidance, advice, and motivation. This support is particularly helpful since entrepreneurs are immersed in the day-to-day demands that come with running a business, making it difficult to step back and see the larger picture. The educated opinion of someone who can look at a business with an objective and trained eye is a valuable, and often overlooked, asset.
A key component of Washington CASH’s program is providing our clients with this kind of access to consulting and coaching from experienced local entrepreneurs and business experts. This support comes in the form of Business Mentors who meet biweekly with the Business Success Teams, as well as experts who conduct one-time or quarterly workshops and seminars on a wide variety of technical topics, including accounting, marketing, and networking. This invaluable hands-on support can mean the difference between success and failure, and allows clients to avoid common mistakes and to learn from those who understand what it takes to run a sustainable small enterprise. Business Mentors can also introduce Washington CASH borrowers to a wider network of experts and potential customers, further adding to the growth of their business.
Our Business Mentors and other consultants help our clients answer such tough questions as: What’s the best marketing strategy for my company? How should I reinvest profits? Should I hire a bookkeeper? How do I find new customers and clients? Mentors can help with practical concerns such as paying taxes and working with vendors, as well as intangible elements, including time management, task prioritization, and goal setting. Working with Business Mentors and consultants also boosts our client’s confidence by reminding them that they are not alone. They are part of a team that includes mentors, their peer lending group, and the Washington CASH staff, and this combined support makes a critical difference.