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Microenterprise Assistance Program aimed
at helping small businesses in Orleans County Running a small business involves an enormous amount of planning, determination and hard work. The issues involved are numerous and at times complex. For example, what factors should be considered when renting commercial space out? What kind of taxes will the business have to pay? What advertising methods should be used and who will the business target as its main customers? How many employees should be hired and what kind of legal issues are involved with owning a business? Through the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP), small business owners in Orleans County have been able to get the answers to these questions. Since March 1999, MAP has helped more than 200 people start or expand businesses throughout the county. MAP and OEDA Through a series of classes over a 12-week period, participants learn about creating a business plan, as well as the accounting, insurance, marketing and legal issues involved with running a business. The classes are taught by professionals who specialize in a particular field. Participants will also have access to MAP offices that are equipped with computers, as well as written, video and software materials. "The OEDA has initiated a MAP with Federal Community Development Block Grant funding," explained Candie Newman, who helps coordinate the program at the OEDA. "This program is intended to provide eligible participants with education, technical assistance and access to capital. MAP's overall goal is to create viable and productive small businesses in Orleans County." Three companies that MAP has helped literally put on the "map" include Clarendon Cheesecakes, Biscotti di Misiti and ImageNation. Clarendon Cheesecakes In addition to cheesecakes, Patt sells cookies, pies and wedding cakes. "I remember when I was a teenager I dreamed of owning a bakery," she said. "The bakery is like my baby and it has been amazing watching it grow." When Patt first started her business she baked from her home basement and her customers were primarily local individuals, churches and schools. Using the power of the Internet though, she created a website at www.clarendoncheesecakes.com and as a result she now has customers from all over the country. Because Patt's "small" business got a little bigger, she recently moved to the Holley Business Park on Cadbury Way. She also went from baking everything herself to hiring seven employees. Patt credits MAP with providing her with the information she needed when she started Clarendon Cheesecakes. "I am not a numbers person so the program helped me learn about spreadsheets, balances and projections, as well as other important things," she said. "Overall, starting a business without attending any of the classes is like handing a 13-year-old the keys to your brand new car so I highly recommend the program to others." Biscotti de Misiti Soto described MAP as invaluable in helping her prepare a business plan and learn about taxes, marketing techniques and low interest loan financing. "I knew how to bake but I knew very little about operating a business," she said. "People should consider going through the MAP program to learn all aspects of starting a small business. You need to hear both the good and bad aspects." Soto sells 12 different kinds of Italian cookies that she makes by hand from her home in Holley. She caters weddings, graduations, baptisms and other parties and not surprisingly the Christmas season is her busiest time of year. "The most rewarding aspect of having my own business is in doing something I love to do," Soto said. "Also, my cookies make people happy and bring back wonderful memories. I often hear from a customer, 'my grandmother used to make these' or 'this cookie reminds me of cookies my mother used to bake.' " ImageNation "The most rewarding part of having my own business is the feeling I get when I hand to my customers whatever art work I have done for them and they love it," she said. "I love to see their happiness in whatever memory I have captured for them." Lee works from her home in Morton. She also has a part-time job at Rowe Photo where she works in the company's lab doing graphics and restoration work. "If I was to give someone advice, it would be to open a business you love to do. It is easier to find time to advertise or even do the extra work you have to do when you love what you are doing," she said. "If you don't like what you are doing and you're doing it just to make a buck, you will never find the time it needs to keep your company making money and growing." Lee said that she benefited the most from MAP's classes on taxes and marketing, as well as the networking opportunities. "In taking the course, you really open up your networking with other companies and that alone is worth it," said Lee. Classes |