Donna Aucoin understands the complexities of human behavior.
However, the business world turned out to be a more intricate
science than Aucoin anticipated. When she was ready to expand her
Lafayette-based psychology practice, Aucoin & Associates, she
sought assistance from the Lafayette Small Business Development
Center, which provided the proper guidance in helping her develop a
business plan to grow her practice.
Louisiana Small Business Development Centers, or SBDCs, are a
statewide network providing low- or no-cost guidance and training
for small business owners and potential owners. The centers offer
one-on-one counseling, training sessions and business development
resources.
Because of her certification in Louisiana Economic Development's
Small and Emerging Business Development program, or SEBD, Aucoin
has received industry-specific software training, marketing
material and Web design assistance, and human resource consulting.
The Lafayette SBDC served as the intermediary to ensure Aucoin
& Associates received the assistance needed to enhance its
business operations, including a loan guaranty through the SEBD
program.
"Working with the SBDC has been fabulous," said Aucoin. "As a
psychologist, I haven't received formal training in the business
arena. So there has been an array of challenges with implementing a
business plan for my private practice. The SBDC was able to help me
problem solve, generate solutions and it even offered financial
assistance. I thought, 'Why haven't I done this before?' The
assistance has been a time saver and a money saver."
Due to the business assistance, the company expanded operations
to a new facility, which houses the private practice and a training
facility, in April 2008.
