Sure, you have questions. We have answers.

Questions 

1. I have a great idea, but I'm not quite ready to apply for a Grant. How do I get started?

2. Will my ideas and business plan be kept confidential? Who will have access to this information?

3. I don't live in a Bresnan service area. Can I still apply for a Matching Grant and Service Credit Grant?

4. Should I contact the local Bresnan office in my community?

5. Do the SBDC and the Bresnan Business Incubator provide loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs?

6. Is there an expiration date for using the Advertising Grant?     

7. The Bresnan Business Incubator includes free production of television commercials.  How many different commercials will Bresnan produce?    

8. If my business takes advantage of the full $10,000 Matching Grant, can we continue to buy air time for our ads after the grant has been fulfilled?     

Answers 

I have a great idea, but I'm not quite ready to apply for a Grant. How do I get started?
Your regional SBDC office is a great place to start. It offers valuable resources and information that is either free or available at a very low cost. You can also visit the WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz website. There, you'll find a wealth of information about business plans, financial analysis, state and Federal capital sources, market research, planning and strategy, advertising, packaging and promotion, as well as news about local conferences and workshops.

Will my ideas and business plan be kept confidential? Who will have access to this information?
When you submit your application, it will go directly to your regional SBDC office. Once it arrives, it will be assigned to an SBDC business consultant. Each business consultant abides by the SBDC's strict confidentiality code of conduct.

I don't live in a Bresnan service area. Can I still apply for a Matching Grant and Service Credit Grant?
You don't have to live in a Bresnan service area to receive a Matching Grant. To be eligible, your product or service must be available or sold within a Bresnan service area and benefit from a Matching Grant or Service Credit Grant for production of commercials, cable television advertising and Bresnan Business Marketing Services. However, if you do live outside of a Bresnan service area, High-Speed Internet access, data storage and Digital Phone services including local, long-distance, international and conference calling would not be available to you.

Should I contact the local Bresnan office in my community?
Please do not contact your local Bresnan office or the Corporate office directly. The Bresnan Business Incubator will provide Matching Grants and Service Credit Grants only to those qualifying entrepreneurs and small businesses referred to Bresnan by the WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz Small Business Development Center network.

Do the SBDC and the Bresnan Business Incubator provide loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs?
Business owners must apply directly to banks or other financial outlets for loans. You may not apply to the SBA, SBDC or the Bresnan Business Incubator for a loan. In order to secure a loan with a lender, you must have good credit scores and collateral in the form of equity. Lenders may also require the SBA to guarantee a business loan. Your regional SBDC office can provide information and guidance about loans and funding for your business.

Is there an expiration date for using the advertising grant?    
Yes, your company’s Matching Grant would normally expire one year from the date of the grant award.

The Bresnan Business Incubator includes free production of television commercials.  How many different commercials will Bresnan produce?
Bresnan Business Services will assess the needs of your business and work with you to build an appropriate video campaign with a sufficient number of commercials to create the desired results. 

If my business takes advantage of the full $10,000 Matching Grant, can we continue to buy air time for our ads after the grant has been fulfilled? 
Absolutely. You may buy as much air time as you wish before or after the grant expires.  However, once the $10,000 Matching Grant has been fulfilled, your company will be charged at full, published Bresnan air-time rates.