Juliana Bolivar Sanchez on ESOs
In a recent episode of the "Slice of Mentorship" podcast, Juliana Bolivar Sanchez, the director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Troy, Alabama, shared her experiences and insights on supporting entrepreneurs. Her unique perspective offers valuable lessons for leaders of entrepreneurial support organizations.
Insight 1: The Importance of Aligning Advice with Needs
At the heart of Juliana's approach is the understanding that each entrepreneur has unique needs. The SBDC's mentorship process begins with an initial meeting to understand these needs. Advisors are then assigned based on specific areas such as marketing, government contracting, capital access, or international trade. This tailored approach ensures that the advice and resources provided align closely with the entrepreneur's needs, increasing the likelihood of their success.
Insight 2: Defining Boundaries Between Entrepreneur's Business and Personal Challenges
Juliana also highlighted the challenges faced by business advisors when entrepreneurs' personal situations intersect with their business concerns. She shared instances where she had to navigate difficult personal situations while maintaining a focus on the business aspects. This underscores the importance of defining boundaries while also acknowledging and empathizing with the personal struggles of the entrepreneurs. It's a delicate balance that requires tact and understanding.
Insight 3: Dispelling Misconceptions about Business Financing
A key part of Juliana's role involves educating entrepreneurs about business financing. She discussed common misconceptions, such as the belief that a good personal credit score is not necessary for obtaining a business loan. By dispelling these misconceptions, entrepreneurial support organizations can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about financing their businesses.
Insight 4: Celebrating Successes
Juliana shared a success story about a family that expanded their business to Troy from a small municipality. The SBDC played a crucial role in their success by providing the necessary information and support. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating and learning from successes in the entrepreneurial journey. It's these victories that fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Insight 5: The Importance of Partnerships & Getting Community Support
Looking to the future, Juliana spoke about potential partnerships and projects for the SBDC. She emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships and gaining community support for the success of entrepreneurial support organizations. These partnerships not only provide resources and opportunities but also foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
Juliana Bolivar Sanchez's insights offer valuable lessons for leaders of entrepreneurial support organizations. By aligning advice with needs, defining boundaries, dispelling misconceptions about financing, celebrating successes, and building partnerships, ESOs can better support entrepreneurs on their journey.
