Area entrepreneurs are invited to anonymously share their financial positions and needs as part of a federal survey designed to help lenders understand current business conditions.
The University of Houston-Victoria encourages area business owners to take part in the Federal Reserve Bank business survey. The survey is a go-to source for information about small business conditions and financing experiences. Policymakers, service providers and lenders use the information to shape programs and products for small businesses.
“The information shared in this survey helps shape the services offered in our area,” UHV SBDC Director Joe Humphreys said. “It’s especially important for people to participate after our area was impacted by Hurricane Harvey. As our communities work toward recovery, this survey will show banks and other institutions what the current market position is and what is needed to help them improve.”
Survey responses are confidential, but the results will be available publically, Humphreys said. The results from the 2016 survey are available now at www.frbatlanta.org/research/small-business/survey.
“The survey takes less than 10 minutes, but it can have an important impact on our community,” Humphreys said. “The responses will let us know what area businesses need to succeed and how they currently stand.”
A link to the survey is available at www.uhv.edu/small-business. It is open until Dec. 8.
The UHV SBDC offers assistance on starting, growing and financing a business; contracting opportunities; and recovering from a disaster. It also helps new businesses start and existing businesses expand through a combination of consulting and training in areas like market identification, raising capital and developing a business plan. Most of its services are free to area small business owners. The center serves Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, DeWitt, Gonzales, Goliad, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Refugio and Victoria counties.