1. How has the BBIF Roundtable been an asset to your business?

“I have gained so much insight from the strategic direction and financial analyses I get. I have gained a huge insight into strategy and financials.”

“BBIF has helped me to focus on short term and long-term goals for my company through Roundtable sessions by providing sound business and accounting advice”

“The Roundtable has given me a forum within which I can share my “issues” (example: other companies hiring my employees) with others in the same industry. It helps to hear what others are doing and others’ points of view.”

“The one-on-one’s have been WONDERFUL with brainstorming issues like partnerships, financial, banking issues, etc.). I have learned so much from the team!”

“I definitely like to hear what others [business owners] have gone through. Sometimes we feel as small business owners that we are the only ones having these “issues” and/or problems.”

2. Would you recommend the Roundtable to other small, up and coming businesses? Why?

“Yes, I am constantly referring business owners to participate (I just referred someone this week). I think the BBIF plays a critical role in small business development; providing invaluable resources to help businesses survive.”

“I would recommend the Roundtable to other companies who are in the development phase. Small businesses lack sound advice from professional advisors on a regular basis. The Roundtable sessions are helpful not only from the advise that consultants may give but also from advise that other small business owners are able to provide to the group.”

“Participation in the Roundtable has opened my eyes (and my business) up to the insight and experience of other business owners. The relationships that we build with one another give me inspiration to become even more accountable for my business.”

“Yes! It is SO beneficial! Not only do I learn from others in the group, but I believe I can help others with the things I have experienced in the past 10 years. It’s not easy to feel like you have to do everything (from accounting, technically, management, etc.). It’s a never ending battle. It’s made it so much nicer for me to know that I have others to go to if I need help. (even if it’s just time to complain to someone). “

3. How has attending the Roundtable fostered your individual growth as a minority business person?

“I have learned how to be more strategic in my business and operate more efficiently. I have also been exposed to an additional resources that have been of great help.”

“It is a great experience to start and run a business. Being in a Roundtable with other business owners who are also growing their businesses gives me confidence that I am not the only business that is getting started. It also helps me to network and meet other business owners which could lead to future opportunities.”

“Being in Roundtable gives me challenge and does not allow me to procrastinate.”

“I have learned that I am not alone. I have a team of good people who want to see me succeed just as much as they want to succeed.”

4. How has the Roundtable changed your business? Please give specific examples (ie: sales growth, profits)

“I have been able to increase my company's efficiency and improve my project pipeline to ensure future work. BBIF in particular has helped me toward planning for and managing my first new hire and also provided the first traditional business loan for my company, which will be ideal to help expose me to major lending institutions.”

“My company has been participating in Roundtable sessions since the beginning of the year but in this short time it has helped me to focus efforts on creating a monthly budget and plan of action towards approaching government clients. This has lead winning a local government contract and submitting another bid to a local government organization that we hope to win. The roundtable helped us to realize that we should focus on product development which will eventually increase our chances of winning more contracts and in turn increase our sales toward the end of the year.”

5. What is your overall opinion of the Roundtable?
I look forward to them monthly. I am challenged to grow and operate efficiently and look forward to the learning and resources it unfolds.