STARTING A BUSINESS ONLINE TUTORIAL

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How long does the tutorial take to complete?
    It really depends on how in-depth you go. You should take the time to review the information sources listed in each section and follow up with research accordingly.

    If you decide to complete the tutorial in one sitting, it may take you a good 5 hours to complete. We recommend that you set aside 45 minutes each day to complete a section. The green sidebar will show your progress by marking off each section you’ve completed.

    Remember, the more you invest in this tutorial, the more you will be able to plan your business appropriately. This will also make your time with your SBDC consultant most effective, should you put the effort in up front to pursue the exciting path of business ownership.


  2. What if I run out of time?
    We’ve designed the tutorial to save your information with each section you complete (indicated by the check mark in the green sidebar). If you get interrupted or are unable to complete a section, click SAVE PROGRESS in the footer.

    The next time you sign in, you will find your place has been kept. You can sign back in by clicking SIGN IN found in the upper right hand tab of the tutorial.


  3. What’s the story with the blue hyperlinks?
    This tutorial references several external websites that may be helpful to you in your planning efforts. We recommend that you visit the sites referenced in each section as they are discussed. Links will pop up in an external window which you may later close without exiting the tutorial. (Don’t forget to hit SAVE PROGRESS if you are going to be inactive in the tutorial for some time).


  4. How do I navigate to the next section?
    Hit NEXT in the lower right-hand corner to navigate to the next page. When you have
    completed a section, you will automatically be moved to the next chapter.


  5. What if I want to skip sections?
    You can do that, but we recommend you follow the order we’ve set up. The tutorial is designed to lead you gradually through the early steps involved with assessing your business potential, first personally and then more profoundly with initial research and business planning, until you know enough to realize what you may be getting yourself into in starting a business.

    If you really want to skip sections, select SAVE PROGRESS in the tutorial footer and navigate to the section of your choosing from the green sidebar. Sections that you’ve fully completed will be indicated by a check mark. You can return to a section at any time by clicking on the section name from the sidebar.

    Regardless, we recommend that you review and complete all sections just to make sure you’ve dotted all your “i”s and crossed your “t”s, as they say. This also allows you to complete your work file and put all those great ideas you have in your head on paper!


  6. How does the work file work?

    • As information is presented to you, such as web resources, you should review the content. (Don’t forget to hit SAVE PROGRESS if you are going to be inactive in the tutorial for some time).

    • Anytime you see the pencil icon (Example:   Make a list), you should make a mental --and physical!— note. You may wish to include your findings in a form that occurs later in the section.

    • Only the information you complete in a form and will be included in the file. You can review what you’ve done by selecting PRINT SECTION in the tutorial footer. Here is an example.

    • You may print out and keep this page or you can wait until you’ve completed the tutorial in entirety and print out all your answers. Since your responses are specific to your business, the work file will serve as a valuable reference to you as you continue planning your business. Naturally, the better your comments, the better reference it will be.

  7. What if I want to change my answers?
    No problem. Remember, the better your comments, the better your results!
    Just navigate to the section from the green sidebar or to a specific page within a section by hitting NEXT or BACK. You can hit CLEAR SECTION to remove the form content entirely or you can change your answers individually and hit to overwrite your previous answers.

    If you’re taking your time making the changes, we recommend that you select SAVE PROGRESS in the footer from time to time.


  8. What will the results look like?
    Here’s a generic sample of what your full results will look like:
    Example of entire tutorial summary

    You will also have the option to print your results for each individual section.

  9. What happens to the form once I’m done?
    You can choose to print or email your results after completing the tutorial in entirety. You can keep your results to yourself or share it with your SBDC consultant for follow up. Your responses will be kept confidential.

    Contact your local SBDC to move onto the next step. Don’t know where to find your SBDC? Visit http://www.pasbdc.org/where/.


  10. How do I retrieve my login/password information?
    Hint: Your user name is your email address. You can also refer to the welcome email you received when you registered or select the “Lost your password?” link from the login screen. Your password will be emailed to the address you provided. Not receiving the email? Check your junk mail folder.


  11. What if I have a technical issue?
    Find a broken link? Receive an error message? Let us know right away! Email webmaster@pasbdc.org with the specifics or call the Pennsylvania SBDC main office at 215.898.1219.


  12. Where can I find more information about starting a business?
    In addition to this tutorial, you might want to check out some of the other great resources on the Pennsylvania SBDC website, including the Starting a Business Checklist, Guide to Starting a Business, and helpful links.

    You should also consider attending our live workshops to help you get started. The First Step workshop is offered at low- or no-cost on a regular basis across the state.  A listing of upcoming First Step workshops may be found at http://www.pasbdc.org/what/consulting/starting/03.asp.

    We also have several other live workshops tailored specifically for new businesses in the areas of:

    Want more? Perhaps it’s time to sit down with an SBDC consultant. You will be able to meet confidentially with an SBDC consultant at no cost. Your consultant can help you with all of the issues you learned about in this tutorial, tailored to your business idea and needs in mind.

    Contact your local SBDC to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to bring your work file from this tutorial!

  13. Are there other online training opportunities available through the Pennsylvania SBDC?
    There sure are. Visit http://www.pasbdc.org/what/onlinetraining.asp to review our other online programs in the following areas:

    • Accounting
    • Business Operations and Management
    • Business Plan Workshops
    • Finance
    • Government
    • Leadership and Management Development
    • Legal
    • Marketing
    • Sales
    • Starting & Growing a Business

  14. What if I have another question or comment?
    Email webmaster@pasbdc.org with your inquiry or comment and it will be directed to the appropriate contact.