Frequently Asked Questions - Small Business Development Center at William Paterson University Passaic County NJ

Appointment and Cancellation Policy

Our goal is to provide quality and totally confidential business development counseling services in a cost effective and suitable manner. In order to do so we have had to implement an appointment/cancellation policy. The policy enables us to better utilize available appointments for our clients in need of business development services.

Cancellation of an Appointment

In order to be respectful of the needs of the business owner and consultant please be courteous and call our office promptly if you are unable to attend an appointment. This time will be reallocated to another business owner in need of NJSBDC’s services. If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled appointment we require that you call 1 day (24 hours) in advance by calling the center’s main number (973) 321-1378. Appointments are in high demand and your early cancellation will give another business owner the possibility to have access to timely business counseling.

Late Cancellations

Late cancellations will be considered a “no show”.

No Show Policy

A “no show” is someone who misses an appointment without canceling 1 day (24 hours) in advance. No-shows inconvenience those individuals who are seeking business development consultation services in a timely manner, as well as, the consultant. A failure to present at the time scheduled appointment will be recorded in the client’s file and will not be allowed to reschedule for duration of time as specified by the director of the center.

In what areas do you offer assistance?

Specializing in direct one-to-one counseling, the NJSBDC offers assistance in the following business areas:

Start-up Assistance
Business Plan Development
Accounting and Financials
Sources of Financing
Marketing

Who qualifies for SBDC services?

Any small business owner or manager or any individual considering starting a business or purchasing a business to be located in New Jersey may contact the NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College for free assistance.

How do you apply for help?

How much do these services cost?

There are no fees for direct confidential counseling. However, reasonable fees are charged for some training programs and events.

I want to start a business. I hear there are government grants to help me. Where can I get one?

For the most part, there are no grants available to start-up businesses. Contrary to what you might have heard, the government is not giving away free money. In some cases, such as educational, scientific or human development programs there may be funding available through private foundations to assist in the development of those programs. Most government grants are given to municipalities for local “quality of life” projects.

Do I need a Business Plan?

Yes, it serves as a foundation for your business. In addition, it is mandatory if you are seeking funding from a bank or economic development agency.

What role does the SBDC play?

The SBDC is staffed by professionals who can help develop the written plan. Those professionals can help with the market research and compare similar businesses to yours. They can help you create and understand the financial forecasts for your business and help you prove to you and others that your business can be successful. SBDC Advisors are familiar with local bank and SBA loan requirements and can get you “bank ready.” The SBDC is available to you for as long as you need us and there is no charge to you.

We’re here to help!

Fill out our Request for Business Counseling to schedule an appointment with one of our business counselors.

For information about another topic, please contact our office by email,
or call (973) 321-1378. We look forward to speaking with you.