Continuous Improvement Isn't Just for Big Business

The recession has ended and the economy is rebounding. You are thankful that, although a little bruised and battered, you and your business survived. For several months after, you limped along and licked your wounds, but now things are looking up. Yo;re at a steady trot now and your books are once again in the black. Your belief now is that slow and steady will win the race and if you stay consistent and maintain status quo, yo-ll do fine. But will you? Consumers are spending again, but not at the same pre-recession levels. Consumers learned frugality, conservation and to appreciate gifts and experiences that money ca-t buy. The recession may have been just what they needed to realize that their former spending habits were wasteful and counterproductive.

What if this scenario proved true? Then where are you left? Status quo may be just fine for the time being, but may not be enough to carry you through another storm. I's time to strengthen your position, be innovative, look for ways to improve your product or service offerings and to continuously seek opportunities to gain or maintain your edge over your competitors. How? Considering your current financial reserve most likely is needed to keep your business operating, follow the consume's example of resourcefulness and seek valuable training and business development resources created exclusively for small businesses and locally offered at low or no cost.

• Engage the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State*for entrepreneurial development assistance and high-end business consulting to start-up, emerging and existing business owners offered at no cost.

• Looking for a business partner who understands the specific needs of Latino culture? Check out Ariana Ulloa-Olavarrieta of Centro Empresarial Latino Columbus,* Columbu' Hispanic SBDC.

• Not located in Central Ohio? Find the SBDC* nearest you.

• Everyone can benefit from keeping their personal skills and those of their employees updated. For convenient, affordable training visit the largest community college in Ohio, Columbus State Community Colleg's own Center for Workforce Development*. Outside of Ohio visit your local community colleg's *Continuing Education Department.

• Do you have a technology business? Then'Start Something Big' with Central Ohi's technology entrepreneurial assistance program, TechStart* at TechColumbus. Nationally visit the website for U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research.

• Have a micro-enterprise, or seeking personal financial education, asset development, or job creation in Columbus, Ohio then William J. Carter of Increase CDC* is ready to help. For assistance across the U.S. find your local microenterprise center by searching the Association for Enterprise Opportunity Membership Directory*.

• Want to know how or improve your chances of doing business with the government? Contact the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers*.

• Are you a minority business owner? Certify your business as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and open yourself to new opportunities. To begin visit the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency.

The U.S. government supports small business growth. That support is reflected through the many business development resources available throughout the nation, of which the above are just a few. Take advantage of the assistance provided by organizations and individuals whose sole purpose is to see you and your business be successful. And finally, don't underestimate the value in being mentored by those that have come before you. You can find many business development and industry experts willing to share their vast knowledge. Business.gov is a prime example. Heed Tim Berry's advice to avoid business planning myths, learn how to explore franchises from the FranchiseKing, and feel free to drop by and say hi to me as I try to deliver small business concerns from the field.

You can also find Tonya on twitter at @TonyaWilson

* This hyperlink goes to a non-government website