Business Information Center Gets Off To A Strong Beginning

When John Dubay entered the Spokane Area Business Information Center less than a year ago, he was looking for information on buying a cleaning franchise.

After researching in the BIC’s library, Dubay found out it would be cheaper and more profitable for him to start his own cleaning business.

“I was able to save about $25,000,” DuBay said.

Dubay is one of the success stories of the BIC.

Eight months after opening, the BIC has helped more than 8,000 people, Rich Hadley, president of the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, said at a press conference Friday.

A joint venture of the chamber, the Small Business Administration and the Service Corps of Retired Executives, the BIC provides one-stop shopping for anyone interested in starting a business or improving an already existing one.

The shelves of the BIC are stocked with information on everything from drawing up business plans to applying for loans. Binders with labels such as “microbrewery,” “free-lance writing,” and “herb garden” offer reports that go into more detail on individual types of businesses.

The BIC’s services including its extensive library of computer software and Internet access - are free and open to the public. There is a charge to use the Internet after the first half hour.

Free counseling with members of the Service Corps of Retired Executives also is available. For example, retired bankers can give entrepreneurs tips before they make their first trip to the bank to ask for a loan.

Bob Wiebe of the Small Business Administration called the BIC an excellent example of the value of a public-private partnership. “None of us had a complete repertoire of tools to do it alone,” he said.

, DataTimes