The SBDC was featured in The Ledger today! Keep reading to see what they wrote…

Starting your own business can be daunting, but there’s an easy way to get free advice to make the process smoother.

Polk County’s Small Business Development Center offers free business consultation services to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Already own a business but need some help growing it? The free consultations are designed for you, too.

“The services we offer are not just for people looking to start up a company,” said Rodney Carson, Polk’s director of economic development. “Some of the people we meet with own a business and they’re looking for a way to take it to the next level, but they’re not quite sure how.”

The free consultations are typically done in person at the SBDC’s offices at 330 W.Church St. in Bartow, though the service also is available on a regular basis at local Chamber of Commerce offices around Polk. You just need to call 534-5915 to set up an appointment. The service is open to Polk County residents and business owners in any industry with fewer than 500 employees.

The SBDC’s counselors can help you with writing a business plan, forming a company, identifying funding options, developing a marketing program and establishing an accounting program, among other issues.

For more information, call (863) 534-5915 or visit the Polk SBDC website.