Community and Small Business Development


Community Development

Problems associated with the growth and decline of local communities is important to the people affected. Several organizations focus on these issues. Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development Utah Department of Community and Culture and Western Rural Development Center are three important sources of information. This web site is designed to complement these and other related sites.

  • Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP)
  • Fast Track
  • Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR)

Small Business Development Centers

Data from the Small Business Administration indicate that of the approximately 21 million firms in the United States more than 99 percent hire fewer that 100 employees. These small firms are the backbone of the US economy. This web page is designed to provide information concerning taxes and other issues needed to assist these firms.

Extension business and economic development assistance helps Utah communities and businesses to make choices and decisions among growth, employment and development alternatives. One of the resources provided business owners and potential entrepreneurs and supported by USU Extension is access to one of the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) located strategically throughout the state. The SBDC provide clients with assistance as well as low cost workshops and conferences, the SBDC provides free one-on-one customized business consultation and assistance to help the business owner or entrepreneur manage critical business matters more effectively. This type of assistance may include:

  • Needs Assessment
    Business assessment of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities
  • Business Planning
    Strategic development of company’s goals, objectives and an action plan to achieve them
  • Market Research And Strategy
    Identification and evaluation of markets and strategies for products and services offered; of the competition, and the development of an effective marketing strategy
  • Financial Statements
    Evaluation of the enterprise’s past and present financial health and position, and the enhancement of critical skills in accounting, control and record keeping practices
  • Cash Flow Analysis And Financial Projections
    Determination of your cash flow position and operating projections
  • Debt and Equity Funding Development
    Evaluation of financing requirements, opportunities and future funding needs
  • Valuation Methods
    Development of skills, tools and understanding required to determine value when buying or selling a business
  • Strategic Planning
    Continuation of business planning process and decision making to determine the company’s future goals and paths
  • Management Issues
    Examination of the enterprise’s structure, organization, policies and procedures to enhance opportunity for growth and development