Navigating the Challenges of Small Business Success: Onondaga Community College Celebrates Local Entrepreneurs During National Small Business Week
The Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College is celebrating small business success stories during National Small Business Week in Central and Upstate New York. As part of the event, the SBDC has named eight small businesses of the year, one in each of the counties it serves. Among the honorees are Clean and Glo Cleaning Services in Syracuse and Broadwell Hospitality Group in Oswego County.
Bob Griffin, regional director of the SBDC, emphasizes that there is no formula for success when it comes to small businesses. He notes that understanding cash flow, providing the right product or service, and targeting the right consumers at the right time are all essential components of success. Without these elements, a business will struggle regardless of how hard its owner works.
The SBDC office serves around 2,000 clients annually, with 80 percent being start-ups that have been operating for one to three years or are still planning their launch. Despite their efforts, Griffin notes that 95 percent of these businesses will not succeed. He adds that sometimes it is best not to proceed with launching a business and that advisors play an important role in providing individuals with information so they can make informed decisions before embarking on this journey.
On Friday, the Small Business Administration will be naming the Upstate New York Veteran-owned small business of the year during National Small Business Week. Two outstanding small businesses from Upstate New York have been selected as honorees for the 2024 Small Business of the Year: Clean and Glo Cleaning Services and Broadwell Hospitality Group.
Griffin acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to running a successful small business. Each company’s unique circumstances require careful consideration and planning to achieve long-term success.
Overall, National Small Business Week highlights the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and their contributions to our communities. The SBDC’s efforts to celebrate these achievements while also providing valuable resources for new entrepreneurs demonstrate a commitment to helping these businesses thrive and grow over time.
In conclusion, running a successful small business requires careful planning and execution of various key factors such as cash flow management, product/service provision and consumer targeting. Additionally, advisors play an important role in guiding aspiring entrepreneurs towards making informed decisions before starting their own businesses.
As we celebrate National Small Business Week let us continue to support local entrepreneurs like those named by Onondaga Community College’s Small Business Development Center as well as those recognized by SBA as veteran owned upstarts in Upstate New York region.
