Robert Semper

Eclectic Fashion Store

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Staff at the SBDC was very professional and thorough. From the first day I walked in to the last day my funding was approved, the guidance I received continues to have a lasting impact on the success of my Business.

Michelle Joshua

New Horizon Clothing

Friday, February 13, 2009

I recommend that anyone who is thinking about going into business go to the Small Business Development Center.

I was asked to talk to a class at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) about how I got started. I just could not stop telling the students about the great and wonderful work you guys do at SBDC.

Ms. Dottin and her counselors are great! They are very knowledgeable about the whole process of opening a small business. Pick their brains.

They worked with me for two years before I opened my doors at New Horizon Clothing. I attended all their seminars. Most were free which was excellent. I received free software like quick books and how to build a web site which has been very beneficial for my business.

They also have a library with vast pamphlets and books that are also free and available at your choosing. I keep the ones I selected in the store and from time to time read them again. The Director, Leonor D. Dottin has opened her doors to me numerous times even with her busy schedule. The counselors have done the same also. They make sure all my business needs are met. I always would leave their doors happy, optimistic, educated and sure that I could count on them at my next appointment.

So let them help you with your business plans, your marketing strategy, your "whatever" question that you may have. Their doors are always open and I know you will not regret it!

Adleta Penn

Frett, Penn & Stout Inc.

Monday, October 24, 2011

My primary reason for taking the NXLEVEL class was to develop and enhance my understanding of the financial information which is a great part of the business plan. I thought at that time that I had a fairly good understanding and would be able to work on the narrative. But by the middle of the class, and observing the outline of the syllabus, I realized that I was not quite there as yet.

Mr. Edwards helped me immensely in getting the narrative for the plan to where I wanted it. With a great deal of help from Mr. Edwards, my financial projections were completed and by him taking so much time in explaining, I now have a good understanding of my financial projections. At the end of the class, if something was not clear, we were given the written information to review at our leisure.

The only suggestions I would make are:

1) People who are interested in taking the course should be told early, during registration, or at the beginning of the class, about the pace of the class and volume of work which has to be done.
2) The book for the class is enough to scare you. The book probably has a lot of information which can be used after the class, but for the class, it is too large and bulky.
3) Mr. Edwards' choice for Graduation Speaker was great. Perhaps he can lecture at one of the classes' great information.