EProBiz.com Small Business Virtual Resource Center Prototype Development

The objective of this research is the development of eProBiz.com Small Business Virtual Resource Center - an innovative, interactive, low-cost Web-based system designed to deliver a comprehensive range of services to rural business owners as an effective means of addressing unmet business resource needs. The Phase II follow-on project is focused on 1) creating a working prototype of eProBiz.com, and 2) carrying out alpha- and beta-testing throughout the state of Nevada to demonstrate the system's capabilities and potential benefits for the nation'a rural (as well as urban) entrepreneurs. The Web site will be dedicated to providing resource information, guidance, and business development tools to under-served entrepreneurs. The eProBiz.com program will assist rural and under-served small business owners on a number of essential levels: eligibility screening for government loan programs, developing a business plan; completing all forms necessary for loan applications in a standardized format; linking with counseling resources and providing access to training and reference materials. In addition to increasing the efficiency of business counselors throughout the state, eProBiz.com will also increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of making business loans to rural customers. This technology will provide the foundation for improved business counseling productivity, increased business lending, and as a result will also enhance rural business development, thus providing a foundation for improved employment and revenue generation opportunities in Nevada's rural areas. The anticipated Phase II results will validate eProBiz.com for private-sector investment and ultimate commercial deployment nationwide.