Running a small business means making decisions you may never have been trained to make. Pricing. Planning. Being found. Knowing which question to ask next.
My opinion: resourcefulness includes getting help early. Before adding another expense or guessing your way through a decision, find out what support is already available.
Business planning help that serves Marion County
The Florida SBDC at the University of North Florida lists Marion County among the counties it serves. It provides confidential, no-cost business consulting. Its published consulting areas include business planning, market research, financial analysis, and growth strategy. Review the consulting services and request process.
The SBDC also lists an Ocala location at the Power Plant Business Incubator, with visits by appointment. Check the current location and appointment information. Consulting and training are different services; verify any workshop’s cost before registering.
Before you reach out, write down one decision you need help making. Bring the information you have and explain what you are trying to accomplish. A focused question gives the conversation a useful starting point.
A free tool to check your visibility
Google offers Business Profiles at no charge to help eligible businesses manage their presence on Search and Maps. Review Google Business Profile.
Eligibility matters. Google generally requires in-person customer contact during stated hours; it lists online-only businesses among those that do not qualify. Check the official eligibility rules first.
For an eligible business, my suggested starting point is simple: check your phone number, website, hours, services, and real photos. Can someone understand what you do and how to reach you? A profile complements your website and community relationships. It does not guarantee inquiries.
Pick one action before collecting more tools
Request a consulting conversation or review your existing profile this week. Choose the action that addresses an actual gap. Then give yourself time to follow through.
I want our small businesses to have access to good information and the people who can help them use it. Knowing a resource exists is the beginning. Putting it to work is the part that counts.