Counseling

The Alexandria SBDC provides confidential, one-on-one business counseling at no charge to City of Alexandria small businesses. Our experts have many years of experience in their respective fields and provide objective guidance and feedback to our clients.

Counseling
Why Meet With a Counselor?
Counseling Areas
Request a Counseling Session
Counseling Preparation

Request a Counseling Session

Please click on the map above to expand and see whether you are in the Alexandria SBDC service area.

Alexandria SBDC offers one-on-one counseling to small businesses located within the City of Alexandria. The Map of Service Areas to the right shows the boundaries for the City.

For those outside the City of Alexandria, please check the SBDC Locator for the SBDC with resources to serve your needs.

Counseling is by appointment only. We regret that we cannot accommodate walk-ins.

Steps for Requesting a Counseling Session:

Complete and Submit the Pre-Counseling Questionnaire AND Request for Counseling Form below.
We will contact you to set up an appointment. Counseling hours are from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Step 1: Complete the Pre-Counseling Questionnaire

By completing this form, you enable our consultants to gain a better understanding of your business so that we can determine the best way to meet your needs. Thank you for providing this information.

Review Client Rights and Responsibilities

I have read and understand the Client Rights and Responsibilities outlined above.*
- Agree
Name*
Your first name... Your last name...
Email*
Phone*
Business Name*
Business Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Domain Name

The website address (URL) for your business website. Type "none" if you don't have a website.
Are you a...*
- Start-up (not yet in business)
- Existing Business
Describe your business idea. (i.e. products or services offered, location, etc.)*
Describe your existing business. (i.e. products or services offered, location, etc.)*
Who are/will be your customers? (gender, age, income, lifestyle, interests, etc.)
Who are your customers? (gender, age, income, lifestyle, interests, etc.)
What experience or skills do you have related to your planned business? (experience, training, education, certification, etc)
The SBDC can provide counseling in a variety of areas. Please identify your top two reasons for requesting an appointment. This allows our counselors to be best prepared for your meeting. Other topics may be addressed during future sessions.*
- Start-Up/Business Acquisition (business planning, financial planning, sources of capital, franchising, licensing and registration)
- Accounting (taxes, record keeping, job costing systems, invoices and accounts payable)
- Finance (cash flow projections, financial statement analysis, business valuation)
- Marketing & Sales (marketing plan, pricing strategy, market analysis, site location, advertising and promotion, social media)
- Operations Management (inventory management, logistics, quality management, facilities, purchasing, distribution and transportation)
- Human Resource Management (recruitment, training, compensation, legal guidelines, worker safety, employee manuals and procedures)
- Other; please identify specifically in the section below
Please identify specific questions you wish to address. The more specific you are, the more prepared your counselor will be to address these concerns at your appointment.
Why have you decided to go into business?*
If you need help financing your business, what is the estimated amount needed? Keep in mind all of the initial costs to start and sustain the business through its first year. Provide a dollar estimate.
What equity/assets/collateral can you commit towards the financial need of your business? Provide a dollar estimate.
How did you find out about the Alexandria SBDC?
- Internet search
- Word of mouth referral
- City staff referral
- Business association
- Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- SBDC event flyer or announcement
- Other
For other, please specify:

Step 2: Complete the Request for Counseling Form

Complete this Request for Counseling Form and submit it prior to or at your first counseling session. Please see our Contact Us page for further contact information.

Make sure to visit our Counseling Preparation page prior to your first counseling session.

Someone will be in contact with you soon.

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601 Prince Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 778-1292
(703) 778-1293

Copyright 2002 - 2022 Alexandria SBDC

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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