News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville’s Small Business Development Center said now is the time for small businesses looking to set up online sales.
Director Tyler Asher said the center still has CARES Act money available and web designers on contract to help set up online retail for free. Asher said taking advantage of this opportunity can help avoid headaches with trying to setup online sales, while running a business in-person.
“It’s very difficult to do if it’s not something you do everyday, and that’s why we encourage you to find someone who is very comfortable in doing this,” Asher said. “Making sure this is all set up correctly, so that all your search engine optimization, key words match your description.”
Asher said based on the calls the center gets about online retail, he knows there is a need in the community for this service. He said the current shift is pushing more sales online.
“With the trends of the pandemic pushing things back to online sales, we’ve seen a vast number of phone calls with local businesses wanting to get more help with that,” Asher said. “The great news is we still have some CARES Act money that we have contractors on-file with us and we can help provide those services to local small businesses for free.”
However, Asher said with the monetary commitment being cover by the Small Business Development Center, the time commitment is being taken over too. He said contractors will provide business owners a timeline for when they need info, to get e-commerce going.
“Communicating and giving the clients a timeline of when things take place or when they’ll need certain documents by,” Asher said. “Because it’s very much an ebb and flow style relationship, where they’re going to give you your homework, ‘hey, I’ve got to get all this done before we go to the next step.”
Asher said business owners can reach out by phone at (931)-520-6081 for the office. He said online requests for advising can be made at tsbdc.org/UCDD and through Facebook.
