Business Development Program Survey

FDDC/BDP goal is to plan and provide better business program services that meet the unique needs of the Native American populations within the five Wabanaki communities. Your participation in the survey will become a valuable aid in providing information in key areas for development of our education, training and outreach program. Wooliwon!

I. Historical Information

Have you ever heard of Four Directions Development Corporation?

Yes No

If so, how?

Met with FDDC Staff Flyers Newsletters
Word of Mouth Website Other

Have you ever thought of starting your own business?

Yes No

If so, what type?

Would you be interested in participating in a Business Incubator environment?

Yes No

Have you ever thought of going into business by developing or producing a culturally oriented product?

Yes No

Are you in a business of your own now?

Yes No

If so, what type of business?

(If No, skip to Section VII. If Yes, proceed to Section II – VII.

II. Business Information

Name of your business:

Location (please indicate if it is a home-based business):

Describe your product and/or services.

Part Time Full Time

How many years have you been operating your business?

What is the legal structure of your business?

Sole Proprietorship Partnership C-Corporation
S-Corporation Limited Liability Corp Limited Liability Partnership

III. Management Information

Who primarily manages your day to day business operations?

How many employees do you have?

Full-time

Part-time

Seasonal

Do you utilize the services of a (Check all that apply)

Lawyer Accountant Insurance Agent

Describe any short term goals for your business.

Describe any long term goals for your business.

IV. Marketing Information

Describe your market niche and/or customer base.

Who are your major competitors locally and regionally?

How do you promote or advertise your product and/or service? (Check all that apply)

Word of Mouth Business Cards Brochures
Media Advertising Trade Shows Internet
Website Social Marketing (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) Other

If you are a Native contractor, would you be interested in joining a Native Trade Association?

Yes No

Would you be interested in marketing your product via a Wabanaki Virtual Mall?

Yes No

Do you sell your product under a brand name or label?

Yes No

V. Financial Information

I use a (Check all that apply)

Personal Checking Business Credit Card Business Checking Account
Commercial Loans Line of Credit Out of Pocket Cash for My Business

Have you ever borrowed money for your business? (Check all that apply)

Four Directions Bank Loan Agency Family

Do you presently have a need for cash or capital investment for your business?

Yes No

Would you use the cash or capital investment for (Check all that apply)

Working Capital Inventory/Equipment Expansion Commercial Real Estate

Do you have a set of business financial books?

Yes No

My financial books were set up by an

Accountant Bookkeeper Self Family Member

Do you use accounting software?

Yes No

If so, what?

I record my expenditures and income on a (Check all that apply)

Daily Weekly Monthly Basis Other

I track my inventory and supplies by a

Handwritten system Computer system I do not keep track

Do you prepare financial statements (Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Projection, Profit and Loss, etc) to get a picture of your business?

Yes No

Who prepares your taxes for your business?

Professional Tax Preparer Self

Have you ever used the services of agencies that provide assistance to small businesses? (Check all that apply)

Eastern Maine Development Corporation
Coastal Enterprise Incorporated
Penquis Community Action Program
Waldo County Committee for Social Action
Washington Hancock Community Agency
Cooperative Extension Services
SCORE
Small Business Development Centers
Other

Check all areas that you feel are your strengths in running your business:

Marketing
Keeping the books
Developing ideas for new products/services
Production
Managing cash flow
Working with employees

VI. Education and Training

Do you have a written business plan?

Yes No

Have you received financial literacy training?

Yes No

Have you ever received credit counseling?

Yes No

VII. General

Are you interested in Cultural Tourism?

Yes No

The Wabanaki Trail will be a virtual trail on the FDDC website with locations of tribal communities, points of interest, and feature Native entrepreneurs. Would you like to be a featured entrepreneur with a listing on the Wabanaki Trail map?

Yes No

Would you like someone to contact you regarding potential opportunities marketing your products on the developing WABANAKI VIRTUAL MALL?

Yes No

Contractors: would you like someone to call you regarding the developing Native Trade Association?

Yes No

Comments: Please let us know how we can better assist you. We welcome suggestions for needed training and/or loan products and services.

What is your tribal affiliation?

Maliseet Micmac Passamaquoddy/Township Passamaquoddy/Pleasant Point Penobscot

VII. Contact Information

If you are interested in the education/training/program services concerning Business Development at Four Directions Development Corporation, please include your contact information in the space below:

Name

Address

Telephone

E-mail

The best time to contact me is

Day Night

Four Directions Development Corporation appreciates your time and energy in the completion of our survey. All responses will be utilized by our business program to assist us in establishing markets for native products, developing training opportunities, and for future business program development.

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