ND Small Business Development Centers
ND Small Business Development Centers

Powering the creation, growth, and success of small business in North Dakota.

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Advisor Knowledge Base

Hiring Employees: Where Do I Begin?

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Hiring your first employee can be exciting but also nerve-racking. There are many questions that surface when you are ready to hire your first employee(s). These questions can bring about many layers. The first question that is usually asked is: Where do I begin? You should already be registered with the Secretary of State and […]

What is Blockchain and How Might it Impact My Small Business?

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

By connecting a user to a transaction, Blockchain can play a larger role in identifying risks and fraud. Blockchain is similar to an audit trail but uses technology instead of physical paper as documentation. Therefore, individuals within the finance department need a solid basis and understanding of technology and Blockchain technology. Additionally, it is even […]

Are You Paying Too Much In Merchant Fees?

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Over the last five years, point-of-sale technology has rapidly advanced. What once was a quarterly visit from multiple merchant companies trying to underbid each other’s rates has evolved into feature-rich integrated software solutions tied to your bank account. Companies like Stripe and Square offer a plethora of services to assist business owners, like mobile swipe […]

Why Go Through the Hassle of Writing a Business Plan?

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

“A business plan is a document that defines in detail a company’s objectives and how it will achieve them,” according to the Business Plan: What It Is, What’s Included, and How To Write One article in Investopedia. There is no wrong way to write a business plan. The plan is your plan and should meet […]

The Value of Mentorship In Running a Successful Business

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Starting a business can be straightforward or more complex, depending on the size and nature of the business. Entrepreneurs opening a brick and mortar businesses have more steps to work through to get open. Securing a location, negotiating contracts, hiring employees, and obtaining financing takes time and energy. Smaller-scale businesses do not need many people, […]

Ideas for Conducting Market Research

Categories: Advisor Knowledge Base

Building a business plan typically requires thinking into four distinct areas: What am I selling, and why do people want to pay for it? (Value Proposition) Who are my target customers, and how many potential customers can I reach? (Market Research)? How do I provide my goods or services to my customers? (Operating Model) Looking […]