Starting a business but need funding? Have a small business but need marketing ideas? Make an appointment for free consultation services with Cy-Fair College's Gail Lorber.
With more than 25 years of experience as a business and marketing consultant to start-up and small businesses, Lorber is one of three new senior consultants with the NHMCCD Small Business Development Center. The center is part of the University of Houston SBDC Network, which serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas.
“We are here to help entrepreneurs who are either contemplating or ready to start a business as well as existing small business owners to lay a solid foundation on which to build and be successful,” Lorber said.
Among the free business management and consulting services are assistance with business plan and marketing plan development; market research, analysis and strategy; Small Business Administration and conventional loan assistance; cash flow management and budgeting; doing business with the government; exporting and more.
Resources are abundant and accessible as Lorber draws upon the expertise of the other SBDC consultants in the NHMCCD district as well as a research librarian at the University of Houston whose services are dedicated to SBDC consultants. Her clients have ranged from professional service providers to manufacturers, retailers, software developers and tradespeople. In addition, Lorber, who has 10 years of teaching and training experience, offers low-cost workshops and seminars for business owners and managers that range from “marketing on a dime” and “getting started in business” to tips for increasing sales and visibility.
“We offer our consulting services free of charge, and all we ask is that our clients promise to complete a couple of surveys over the next few years so we can track economic impact,” said Lorber. “From experience we know that if your business is well funded and well structured, and if you understand marketing, cash flow and other business basics, chances are you’ll be successful. And if you’re successful, you’ll probably add jobs and contribute in many ways to the local economy, so your business success becomes a win/win situation for everyone.”
Lorber is available by appointment Monday through Friday to serve Cy-Fair community businesses on-site or at her office on the Cy-Fair College Barker Cypress campus in the library, room 208-S. In addition to free consultation, Cy-Fair College offers continuing education and credit courses as well as business-related programs for those wanting more detailed information.
The Small Business Development Center works with existing and start-up companies to help them grow and compete in today’s global economy. Services are available for companies in every phase of the business lifecycle. For information, contact Lorber at 832-482-1057 (Cy-Fair College office) or 832-813-6674 (SBDC District office) or visit www.northhoustonbusiness.com.