As an owner and operator of a successful Utah Valley tire chain, Ken Fakler learned first-hand the challenges and difficulties of small business ownership. Now, as managing director of the Orem Small Business Development Center (Orem SBDC), Fakler uses his vast experience to help other entrepreneurs navigate the same choppy waters. Helping prospective and existing business owners in Utah and Wasatch counties, Fakler's know-how has been especially valuable during the recent economic downturn, where credit has been tighter than a drum.
The Orem SBDC offers no-cost small business counseling and low-cost training for both pre-startup and existing businesses in its territory. Its dedicated, professional staff collaborate closely with community economic resources and partners in providing workshops, trainings, expos, and marketing events.
Under the oversight of its director, Steve Clark, the Orem SBDC has become a highly prolific service center producing significant economic impact. In 2009, the center counseled 500 new and existing business clients, helped 44 of the new clients start businesses and helped these small businesses in obtaining more than $6.2 million in capital infusion.
Key services provided by the Orem SBDC include capital access and marketing. Center personnel help clients conduct market research, develop business plans and apply for loans. Counselors aid existing business owners with specialty training products such as Covey's 7 Habits for Business Managers, Dashboard and 360 Survey. The center can also tap into a strong network of small-business experts and resources in other service centers within the Utah Small Business Development Center system.
