Posts
When I first decided to embark on a mission to start my own creative business, I realized that I had no idea what I was doing. I still giggle at my brazenness and naivete. It was clear from the start that I was going to need help, and lots of it.
Lately, I have been taking advantage of some really fantastic resources at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I have been very lucky to find high quality and affordable (mostly FREE) programs for small business development within a reasonable distance from where I live.
I first learned about what UPenn had to offer from a friend and fellow small business owner. She recommended a class offered by Wharton's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) called Strategic Business Planning. The class is a five session workshop that takes you through all of the steps of writing a business plan, from concept to presentation. The class is structured so that you really get out of it what you put into it. For me, it was well worth the initial investment ($225). It connected me to other local entrepreneurs of all kinds and introduced me to a lot of other great resources. My favorite part about the program is that once you complete all five sessions, you have the option to submit your plan for review with a Wharton MBA student. That student then becomes an informal business coach, one you meet with periodically and helps you follow through with the goals that you set forth at no extra cost. And once you take the course, you can also attend any of the panel discussions or seminars that happen at the SBDC.
From that class, I met a fellow who was currently working for another great part of UPenn, their Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic. I learned that small businesses can apply for free legal aid through the clinic. There is an application process, but if you and your business meet their criteria, you work with one of the law students (who works under the supervision of practicing lawyers) for a full semester. What you and the student work on depends on your needs as a business and the scope of the clinic's curriculum. When my application for uhuui was accepted, I did an especially enthusiastic happy dance because normally, lawyers = expensive. Prior to learning about this resource, I was concerned about how I was going to be smart about protecting my intellectual property and protecting my business. I am having a great time working with the clinic so far, and have been introduced to a series of free seminars that they host as well!
So, I owe the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton SBDC and The Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic a HUGE thank you. I am so grateful for the support that they offer for developing entrepreneurs such as myself. I even mailed letters to my state legislators urging them to continue funding these programs, as well as others like them. They are an invaluable part of this community.
